fukuoka travel vlog

2-Day Itinerary in Fukuoka

Bryce was born in California, but raised from the age of 3 near Seattle, Washington. He’s been living in Tokyo for about 7 years, and graduated from Temple University, Japan with degrees in economics and international business. He loves traveling of course, but also cooking, snowboarding, some video games as well. His biggest interest is songwriting/music production, more specifically electronic music… (think Skrillex, Marshmello, Daft Punk, etc.) He also has terrible humor as you’ll notice, but he hopes you’ll enjoy it!

This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you.

Welcome to Fukuoka , the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture located in the north of the Kyushu region of Japan . Known for its laid-back atmosphere, delicious street food , historical temples , and shrines , Fukuoka is a must-visit destination when exploring Japan. Kyushu in general is an absolutely amazing place, and if Fukuoka interests you, check out the other prefectures like Kagoshima and Miyazaki ! If you’re a foodie , then you should know that Fukuoka, maybe Hakata in specific, is very well known for Ramen and Gyoza. Ramen is a popular dish throughout Japan and you can find excellent quality noodles almost anywhere, but by nature, it is always unique, so it’s a great idea to see all the variations; so much goes into it!. Fukuoka is one of Japan’s major cities , but its laid-back atmosphere can be very nice in comparison to some other major cities, like the ever-bustling Tokyo ! Here is a two-day itinerary to help you make the most out of your trip to Fukuoka.

▼ Quick reminder for those who are planning to visit Fukuoka in November:

Fukuoka will hold the last Sumo Tournament this year in November. Definitely a Must-Visit if you are in the area! Get your tickets now alongside having a professional tour-guide by your side!

▼Check out our Fukuoka 1-Day Highlights tour !

How to get to Fukuoka

Explore tenjin, tochoji temple, kushida shrine, eat along nakasu river, fukuoka tower or ohori park, leave fukuoka, recommended tours in fukuoka, other articles you might be interested in.

Due to the fact that Fukuoka is way down in the southern island of Kyushu, it isn’t exactly just a quick train ride away like some other cities. However it’s still pretty easy to get down to. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you have a few options. The quickest way down there is to fly, and you can find pretty cheap round trip flights if you book far enough in advance. You can also take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen (bullet train) all the way down there, but it will take you about 5 hours total. There is also the cheaper option of taking a bus down there, but as you can imagine, it takes quite a while and may be a bit of a waste of your precious time here in Japan.

Day 1: Tenjin, History, and Street Food

After arriving in Fukuoka, head over to Tenjin, the city’s main shopping district. With a plethora of shopping malls, department stores, and local boutiques, you’ll find everything from the latest fashion trends to traditional Japanese souvenirs . Tenjin is also considered to be the fashion capital of Kyushu as well as a gourmet city. Another impressive feature is its extensive underground shopping area called Tenjin Chikagai, a European style road with 150 shops! Take a stroll around the area and discover the hidden gems of Fukuoka’s unique culture.

Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, make your way over to Tochoji Temple, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s one of Japan’s oldest temples and was set up by the famous monk Kobo-Daishi, also known as Kukai. If you’re interested in Shingon Buddhism , be sure to check it out. Here, you can marvel at the stunning five-story pagoda and get up close and personal with the largest seated wooden Buddha statue in Japan. If you’re a fan of Pagodas , be sure to check out this list of them we’ve created; there are some spectacular ones throughout Japan! Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and soak in the beauty of this historical temple.

Next up, head over to Kushida Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Fukuoka. For any of you who are fascinated with Japanese lore or mythology , this shrine is dedicated to the gods of Ohatanushi No Mikoto, Amaterasu Omikami, and Susanowo No Mikoto. As you explore the shrine’s grounds, you’ll come across beautiful traditional architecture , serene gardens , and cultural artifacts. Be sure to check out the beautiful floats that are used in the famous Yamakasa festival, which takes place every July.

As the day turns into night, head over to Nakasu River , where you’ll find rows of colorful food stalls called Yatai. Here, you can indulge in Fukuoka’s famous street food such as Hakata ramen, Yakitori, and Oden. Enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the Nakasu River, a perfect way to end your first day in Fukuoka. If youre really feeling the river vibe, there is even a boat cruise you can take in the evening to experience not only the Nakasu river but a variety of other places, like Canal City, which we’ll talk more about later.

Day 2: Sky-high views, A Beautiful Shrine, and Shopping

Start your day with a visit to either Fukuoka Tower or Ohori Park . Fukuoka Tower, standing at 234 meters tall, is the tallest seaside tower in Japan. Take the elevator to the top for a 360 degree panoramic view of the city and the sea. The tower is also nicknamed the “Mirror Sale” for its sky-scraper-like appearance due to the multitude of mirrored windows. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more tranquil start to your day, head over to Ohori Park. This beautiful park is a popular spot among locals for morning jogs or peaceful walks. You can also rent a paddleboat and take a leisurely ride around the park’s large pond. There is a nearby Japanese garden that’s worth checking out too!

After your morning activity, head over to Dazaifu, a small town located just a short train ride away from Fukuoka. This town is famous for its historical sites, such as Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Kyushu National Museum. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to the god of learning and is said to be the birthplace of Japanese mathematics. A memorable part of the shrine are the massive trees sprawling out over the ponds! The Kyushu National Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including pottery , swords , and ancient Japanese texts. There is also a very impressive Starbucks location there that was designed by a famous architect- it’s very picturesque. 

As the day draws to a close, head back to Fukuoka and check out the bustling neighborhood of Hakata. Here, you’ll find Canal City , a large shopping and entertainment complex. Canal City features a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater. If you missed out on ramen before, now is another chance to snag some of the most famous Ramen in Japan! Hakata Issou is a great choice, but be prepared for a long line! There are plenty of lists out there on the internet claiming to know the best Ramen, but take a look and decide for yourself! The complex also has a unique water show that is sure to dazzle you. Take a stroll around the area and immerse yourself in the energy of this lively city.

And that’s a wrap! Your two-day itinerary in Fukuoka has come to an end. There are plenty of things to do around Fukuoka, and if you’re there for longer than 2 days be sure to check out the rest of Kyushu, it’s incredible. There is also plenty more to do around Fukuoka as well, so be sure to check it all out if you can. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a new adventure, Fukuoka has something for everyone, especially those who enjoy the city without the crazy crowds. We hope you can create the best plan for your Fukuoka adventure and fully experience the beauty of this charming city.

Follow us on  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  TikTok  for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!

Happy traveling!

Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.

• Popular destinations
• Hidden places in Japan
• Tours and workshop
• Food and drink in Japan
• Itinerary in Japan
• Places to visit in Tokyo
• Food and drink in Tokyo
• Seasonal events
• Tours & workshops
• Tokyo This Week
• Day trip from Tokyo
• Itinerary in Tokyo
• Places to visit in Kyoto
• Food and drink in Kyoto
• Itinerary in Kyoto
• Day trip from Kyoto
• Travel tips
• Accommodation
• Cultural tips
• Transportation
• Tokyo Tours
• Kyoto Tours
• Kimono Rental
• Fukushima Tours
• Mount Fuji Tours
• Tour Package
• Media Kit（English/日本語)

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions &…

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best…

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Fukuoka travel blog — the fullest fukuoka travel guide for a great trip to fukuoka on a budget for the first-timers.

Located in the northern part of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is the capital, the largest city in Kyushu Island and one of Japan’s six largest cities. As one of the famous tourist destinations, Fukuoka will be an attractive tourist destination for you. Visiting Fukuoka, you not only admire the picturesque landscapes, diverse culture, participate in colorful festivals, but also have the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating and signature cuisine of Fukuoka such as Yatai street food. So, is Fukuoka worth visiting? Let’s discover one of the most livable cities in Japan through our Fukuoka travel blog (Fukuoka blog) with the fullest Fukuoka travel guide (Fukuoka city guide, Fukuoka visitor guide) for a wonderful trip to Fukuoka on a budget for the first time from how to get there, best time to visit, and top things to do … to find out the answer!

• Fukuoka trip blog — The super Fukuoka travel guide for the first-time to visit
• Fukuoka food blog — Visiting Fukuoka & enjoy specialties of the Southern Japan

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in tokyo

• Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to do in Yamanashi
• When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to visit Kyoto

In addition to being the administrative and economic center of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka City has its own unique local culture and cuisine with a long history of development. And becoming a bustling commercial center, where origins of fashion and culture trends spread throughout Japan.

Fukuoka is considered an easy-to-live city because in the city, there are extremely convenient facilities such as from Hakata in the city center, going to Fukuoka airport by subway is only about 15 minutes. It takes 15 minutes to walk from JR Hakata Station to meet the Nakasu bustling street located between the Hakatagawa and Nakagawa rivers. Every evening, along the riverbank, there are many shops, eateries opening. It can be said that the riverfront scenery around the bustling urban area is a unique feature of Hakata.

Fukuoka blog: When is the best time to visit?

Fukuoka is located in the northern part of Kyushu Island, has a climate divided into 4 seasons, suitable for traveling all year round. In which summer is the best time to visit Fukuoka. The summer months in Fukuoka are sunny, and July is characterized by the unique Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival with Yamakasa performances that were carefully decorated with famous character models in Japan. Coming to Fukuoka at this time, you will enjoy the cool beaches, and admire the wonderful fireworks displays in the flower festival held every year.

Spring and autumn are also two beautiful times to travel to Fukuoka. These are two good times to see the beauty of nature, with spring from March to May when cherry blossoms full bloom. And Fukuoka has a warmer weather after cold winter days. Visitors coming here will live in the atmosphere of the wonderful cherry blossom festival.

From September to November are autumn days in Fukuoka, with cool weather after hot summer days. Autumn brings gentle and relaxing moments for tourists, having the best conditions to enjoy the vacation. Admiring the yellow and red autumn leaves is also one of the top travel experiences in Fukuoka in the fall. In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to participate in the Tsukimi festival to watch the full moon, and get a new travel experience.

Fukuoka travel blog: How to get to Fukuoka?

A convenient point of Fukuoka is the airport located right in the city, only 2 subway stations from Hakata Station (the central station of Fukuoka), so it only takes 15-20 minutes to get from the airport to the city center. So the most convenient way to travel to Fukuoka is by plane. Japanese domestic low cost airlines have direct flights from other cities to Fukuoka and extremely reasonable prices (I used to fly from Fukuoka to Tokyo for only 4.000 yen/way when fly with Flypeach airline ).

Fukuoka city guide: Getting around Fukuoka

The transportation system in Fukuoka is quite developed, so there are many means of transportation in Fukuoka for you to choose from, but there are 3 main means of transport that are most used are subway, bus, taxi. To traveling in Fukuoka on a budget, we recommend you take the subway or bus (especially for long distance trips that will save a lot of money), and taxis are only suitable for short routes in the city, because taxi fares are very high.

This subway has a stop at Hakata station near Fukuoka airport. You can use the subway to visit Nakasu or Tenjin and the western area of Fukuoka Prefecture.

The subway can take you to most tourist spots in Fukuoka. To saving the most money when you traveling by subway, you should buy a JR Pass. Also, remember to get yourself a Fukuoka tourist map and a subway map to know about train stops to avoid get lost. We had a very detailed article about JR Pass here .

Nishitetsu train

If you are in the Tenjin area and want to go to the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, you can use the Nishitetsu train. Its advantages are continuous running, multiple trips, less traffic congestion, fast travel time. Nishitetsu trains stop at Yanagawa no kawakudari or Dazaifu Tenmangu station.

Bus is a means of transport with very cheap prices, very suitable for visitors who want to save more costs. Japanese buses are also quite comfortable. There are 2 types of buses: Intercity bus (long-distance bus) and bus running in the city. Intercity buses often run at night and are designed to provide more legroom to help passengers more comfortable.

Nishitetsu bus runs throughout the city, taking you to the Hakata or Tenjin neighborhoods, and also the big shopping mall in the city – Outlet Mall or “Yahuoku! Dome” where sports competitions are often held or music performances, … are very convenient. You can get down to any location, which is relatively cheaper than other means of transportation. Identification characteristics: electronic signs are mounted in the front, inside the bus with price of 100 yen/trip.

Buses travel between stations in Hakata and Tenjin, so it’s convenient for you to visit these 2 towns, the bus ticket is 100 yen. On weekends, there will be Green Loop tourist bus (Green Fukuoka City Loop Bus) running between Hakata Station and the most attractive tourist spots in Fukuoka. The fare for this bus is 250 yen/trip or 700 yen for the whole day.

JR Line allows you to travel around Fukuoka City and other cities in Kyushu or Mojiko port in Kitakyushu City. This means of transport helps you can move to areas where the Nishitetsu train or Nishitetsu bus cannot reach. Therefore, to reach all areas of Kyushu province, the JR route is the most convenient.

This type of vehicle is considered to be the most environmentally friendly vehicle. Although its speed is not as fast as other vehicles, it will give you the slowest experience around the city, sightseeing the streets, alleys and to Fukuoka tourist destinations where the vehicles are bigger can’t move in.

Taxi is always a convenient means of transportation to help tourists save the most time but the cost is quite expensive. If you go with a group, the taxi is a suitable choice because you can share taxi fare together and save a lot of time to enjoy more beautiful scenery of Japan. Taxi fares in Fukuoka you can refer to: Taxi Start (Normal Tariff): 590 yen / Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff): 250 yen / Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff): 2.700 yen.

Fukuoka visitor guide: Where to stay?

Hotel Hokke Club Fukuoka: As one of the cheap, quality hotels in Fukuoka you should choose. With a convenient location, close to the beautiful attractions in Fukuoka such as: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Tennen Onsen Yaojinoyu … help you save time when traveling. A top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $45/night (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Guest House Kaine: This is a top rated guesthouse located in the heart of Fukuoka, only 6 minutes walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station. You will be experienced stay in a traditional Japanese house with more than 70 years old. This accommodation is an ideal place for travelers who want to saving costs when coming to Fukuoka. A top rated guesthouse with room rates from $19/night (Check rates and reviews on Booking.com ).

Tonagi Hostel & Café: This hostel is located in the Hakata Ward area – a good choice for travelers who want to enjoy hot springs (onsen), relaxation and convenient public transport. Tonagi Hostel & Café is located 4 km from Fukuoka Airport, near Tocho-ji Temple and the lively port of Hakata. A 2-star hostel with room rates from $13/night (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Bed Stock: Newly opened since 2017, but Bed Stock received many positive reviews from tourists. This top rated hostel is located near the city center, subway stations, suitable for sightseeing and traveling. A 2-star hostel with room rates from $23/night (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Harborside Guest House Minato: As a long-time guesthouse in Fukuoka, another traditional accommodation you can find in Fukuoka. This is a top place to stay in Fukuoka, fully equipped for visitors, including free wifi, laundry service, … Elegant, simple design rooms, offering an ideal relaxing space. A top rated hostel with room rates from $23/night (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels from $22/night with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo (Address: 2 Chome-2-11 Hakata Ekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0011, Japan / Phone: +81 92-477-8739), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $117/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel WBF Fukuoka Tenjin Minami (Address: 3 Chome-23-32 Haruyoshi, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0003, Japan / Phone: +81 92-737-4123), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $49/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka (Address: 2 Chome-2-43 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan / Phone: +81 92-752-5555), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $123/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hakata Tokyu REI Hotel (Address: 1 Chome-2-23 Hakata Ekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0011, Japan / Phone: +81 92-451-0109), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $101/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka (Address: 2 Chome-14-15 Hakata Ekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0011, Japan / Phone: +81 92-414-1111), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $134/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Dormy Inn Hakata Gion (Address: 1-12 Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0039, Japan / Phone: +81 92-271-5489), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $56/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hakata Gion (Address: 1-24 Gionmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0038, Japan / Phone: +81 92-281-3600), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $58/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Okura Fukuoka (Address: 3-2 Shimokawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0027, Japan / Phone: +81 92-262-1111), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $125/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for Fukuoka hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Fukuoka travel blog: Best places to visit and top things to do

Dazaifu tenmangu shrine.

Is one of the other historical sites of Dazaifu. This famous shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar who is worshiped as a god of knowledge and erudition. So every year up to 7.000.000 people visit the temple. Because it is a shrine of knowledge, this place that attracts many candidates to pray on every exam season.

In January, there is a “Usokae–shinji” ritual – changing unintentional lies (thinking it was true, not knowing that he was lying) in the previous year with the sincerity under the gods; “Onisube–shinji” – is a ritual to avoid fire, wishing happiness, avoid disaster; In September there is Fudezukasai festival – the thanksgiving ceremony for the used up palm tree brushes and praying to develop skills in calligraphy before “Fudezuka” – the stele of the used up palm tree brushes.

You can also visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum, which houses some of the shrine’s treasures and the Kanko Historical Museum, which displays the main events of Michizane’s life.

Around February and March every year, plum flowers will bloom, the whole temple of Dazaifu Tenmangu is covered with a light pink color and it is also a sign that spring has returned to Japan.

Address: 4 Chome-7-１ Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117, Japan Phone: +81 92-922-8225 Hours: 6AM – 7PM Admission: Free Url: http://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en

Sumiyoshi Shrine

Considered as one of the famous tourist places in Fukuoka, any visitor who traveling to Fukuoka also wants to visit this shrine. This sacred shrine worships the god of the sea, so local people and sailors often go to Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine to pray for good rain, good wind and good luck for the family. Sumiyoshi-jinja Shrine is one of the oldest structures on Kyushu Island. Inside also displays some important national treasures such as ancient swords, ancient manuscripts, copper axes, etc.

Address: 3 Chome-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan Phone: +81 92-291-2670

Fukuoka Tower

As the only coastal tower in Japan where Fukuoka city can be seen right in front of you. Fukuoka Tower has a total height of 234m, proud the highest seaside tower in Japan.

Fukuoka Tower was built in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fukuoka city government. The modern building has a balanced triangle shape, and is stuck with 8.000 pieces of mirror, so it is also known as the “Mirror Sail”. From the observation room you can see the panoramic view of Fukuoka city and the evening is a romantic scene.

In addition, at Fukuoka Tower, those who have birthdays on that day will receive special offers, such as free sightseeing, gifts. This birthday offer will be applied on the birthday itself and before or after 3 days and needs something to prove, such as a passport, ID.

At the 116m-high observation room, there is “Koibito no Seichi” (Lover’s Sanctuary), first certified in Fukuoka and designed in a heart-shaped object. At this place, many couples come to swear with the mountains and seas as witnesses, they lock the “Aikagi” heart shaped hooks into the of the barrier of oath, wishing for a lasting attachment.

Address: 2 Chome-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0001, Japan Height: 234 m Opened: March 17, 1989 Hours: 9:30AM–10PM (Last admission at 9：30PM) Admission: Adult (Aged 16 and over): 800yen Url: https://www.fukuokatower.co.jp/en/

Momochi Seaside Park

Continued reading…

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Where to go in kunming — 15+ top kunming attractions & best places to visit in kunming, must eat in melaka — 10+ famous malacca street food & must try food in melaka, what to do in alishan — 5 top attractions & best things to do in alishan, taiwan, hong kong food culture — hong kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land.

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

Where to eat in Hakodate? — 5+ best food & best places to eat in Hakodate city, Hokkaido

Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do

EDITOR PICKS

What to eat in Chongqing? — 14+ most famous, best food...

Where to go in Kunming? — 15+ top Kunming attractions &...

Must eat in Georgetown — 10+ famous, must-eat & best street...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1453
• Trip Inspiration 469
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 207
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Czech Republic
• Budapest, Hungary
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Complete Japan Travel Guide
• Kanto Region (Tokyo, Hakone)
• Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto)
• Kansai Wide (Wakayama)
• Chugoku Region (Hiroshima)
• Chubu Japan
• Hokkaido Japan
• Kyushu Japan
• Jeju Island, South Korea
• KLOOK Promo Code & Voucher (2024 April)
• Agoda Promo Code

Fukuoka Itinerary: Travel Guide For What To Do in Fukuoka

Last updated on April 5th, 2024

An ultimate travel guide to plan on Fukuoka itinerary including things to do, where to stay, and what to eat during your trip to Fukuoka. Make sure to read on for some ideal and money-saving tips when getting around in Fukuoka.

Fukuoka (福岡) is the biggest and busiest city in Kyushu. Thanks to the frequent domestic and international flights to Fukuoka Airport, Fukuoka offers a great gateway to the Kyushu region and other interesting prefectures in Kyushu. The well-connected railway system makes it a great base for starting and ending your trip when visiting the Kyushu region. Moreover, the amazing Fukuoka city has lots of things to offer. It is also the birthplace of many wonderful Japanese cuisines such as Hakata ramen, motsunabe, mizutaki, and even yatai culture. It turns out that Fukuoka is one of the amazing cities to plan for your trip here.

This Fukuoka itinerary and travel guide blog will suggest some of the transportation arrangements, things to do, and a day trip that you can partake for a wonderful stay in Fukuoka city. You can even extend your trip to the Southern Kyushu area if you have more days for your Fukuoka itinerary. Some of the attractions are visited when we traveled back from a day trip from other places in Kyushu. That means you are free to squeeze more activities in between during your stay in Fukuoka.

This Fukuoka travel guide blog will give you some idea when planning your Fukuoka itinerary. So make sure to read on.

Table of Contents

Best Time To Visit Fukuoka

Fukuoka can be visited all year round . This lively city quickly recovers from the cold winter month and welcomes spring earlier. It is also one of the earliest locations that welcome cherry blossom in Japan. While Summer (June to August) is the busiest, hottest, and also the most expensive period for visiting Fukuoka. Fall is a great time for sightseeing as the weather is gentle, not too hot or cold.

The temperature started to drop during December. But Fukuoka experiences mild winter compared with other Northern regions of Japan city. It rarely drops below freezing and almost no snowfall. But the weather can be very cold due to the strong wind. So remember to bring warmer clothes if you are visiting Fukuoka in winter. Generally speaking, Spring and Autumn is the best time to visit Fukuoka for travelers.

How To Get To Fukuoka

Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu and can be accessed by either flight or shinkansen (bullet train) . If you coming by flight, Fukuoka Airport is your primary gateway to Fukuoka and Kyushu region in general. Many international and domestic flights are connecting Fukuoka and other cities in Japan and foreign countries.

From Fukuoka Airport To City Central

From Fukuoka Airport, it is pretty easy to get to the Fukuoka downtown by subway. The airport is located in Hakata Ward and is only about 2 stops or 2.6 km from the Hakata subway station. Take note that there are two terminals in Fukuoka Airport (International and Domestic Terminal) in separate buildings. The subway station is connected to the domestic terminal. But the good news is that a FREE shuttle service provides for travelers between international and domestic terminals.

There is various transport that you can get to the downtown area from Fukuoka Airport:

• By subway to Hakata Subway Station: Can’t imagine we can get to the Fukuoka city with just 3 stops of a subway ride. It normally takes less than 30 minutes including the transfer from the international to the domestic terminal at ¥260 of a subway ride. From then, you can transfer to your hotel in Fukuoka city. If you are getting more than 3 subway rides per day, get the Fukuoka Subway Unlimited Pass (1-Day/2-Days) for touring around conveniently.
• By taxi to hotel doorstep: Depending on the distance, the general price ranges from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 within the downtown area. A great choice for a group of three without luggage in tow.
• Private shuttle service to hotel doorstep: Another great option for hassle-free from Fukuoka Airport to Fukuoka or nearby cities. There are up to 7 to 10 seats for a private transfer. Check price from Klook .

Getting Around in Fukuoka

Once you are in town, Fukuoka city is easily getting around with foot or public transport. Most of the attractions are connected with frequent subways and buses. The subway system has three lines: Airport Line, Hakozaki Line, and Nanakuma Line which well connected the Fukuoka city area. It almost can bring you to the top attraction in town. You are also advised to stay nearby the subway line to ease getting around.

The single ride on the subway is starting from ¥210. If you are taking more than three subway rides per day, consider getting the Fukuoka subway unlimited pass . The unlimited Subway Pass for 1-Day at ¥620 and 2-Days ¥740 for consecutive usage. Half price for kids from 6 to 11 years old.

Fukuoka Travel Tips

You can also get your travel essentials at the airport before starting your Fukuoka itinerary:

• Stay connected with unlimited Wifi router (good for group travelers) and 4G Sim Card . Reserve early and pick it up at the airport as it can be sold out easily.
• If you are planning to self-driving, the car rental counter is also located in the arrival hall. You can check your rental car price from RentalCars.com for various companies. The Budget Rent-A-Car and Nissan Rent-A-Car offer a great deal for your best car rental. Reserve early to get the best car of your choice.

If you are planning your Fukuoka itinerary and other cities in Kyushu , there are many transport passes that are suitable for your trip. Take note that transportation in Japan can be very costly. Making good use of a transport pass that is only offered for foreign visitors can greatly save you a lot of money.

Kyushu JR Pass

• All Kyushu Area 3-Days (¥20,000), 5-Days Pass (¥22,500), and 7-Days Pass (¥25,000)
• Northern Kyushu Area 3-Days Pass (¥12,000) and 5-Days Pass (¥15,000)
• Southern Kyushu Area 3-Days Pass (¥10,000)
• Fukuoka Wide: 2-Days Pass at ¥3,060
• Received E-voucher and hassle redeem at any JR Station in Kyushu

SunQ Unlimited Bus Pass

• All Kyushu 3-Days (¥11,000) and 4-Days Pass (¥14,000)
• Northern Kyushu 2-Days Pass (¥6,000), 3-Days Pass (¥9,000)
• Southern Kyushu 3-Days Pass (¥8,000)
• Travel Tips : Get discounted Kyushu SunQ Pass from Klook with cheaper price .

Fukuoka Itinerary

Being the largest city in Kyushu, Fukuoka is an important hub for travelers for starting on and before leaving Kyushu. Here are some of the things to do that can be put into your Fukuoka itinerary. Please note that these itineraries are not meant to be done chronologically so you can mix and adjust your Fukuoka itinerary based on your travel plan.

Fukuoka itinerary – What To Do in Fukuoka:

• Pray at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (3-4 hours).
• Riverboat ride in Yanagawa River Cruise (3-4 hours).
• Shopping in Canal City Hakata (1-2 hours)
• Visit Fukuoka Castle and Ohori Park (1-2 hours)
• Kushida Shrine (1 hour)
• Fukuoka Tower (1-2 hours)
• Try the Yatai Food Stalls. (1 hour)
• Nanzoin Temple – Fukuoka Reclining Buddha (2 -3 hours)
• Enjoy Fukuoka local delicacy: Hakata ramen, motsunabe, mizutaki and more.
• Day trip to Fukuoka nearby cities: Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Sasebo or Huis Ten Bosch.

Dazaifu Tenmangu

Probably the must-visit attraction in your Fukuoka itinerary. The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (大宰府天満宮, Dazaifu Tenmangū) is one of the important Tenmangu Shrines throughout Japan. It retains the traditional and gorgeous Shinto architecture.

Pray at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu is dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, an important scholar and politician of the Heian Period. So it is popular among Japanese students to pray for good results during an examination. Don’t forget to get the Umegaemochi (red bean mochi), a local specialty when visiting Dazaifu.

From Fukuoka To Dazaifu:

• By Nishitetsu Train : From Nishitetsu-Tenjin Station to Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi Station, and then transfer to Dazaifu Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes with ¥400.
• By JR Train : Take the train to JR Futsukaichi Station and walk for about 20 minutes on foot to Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi Station. From there, transfer to Dazaifu Station by train. It takes about 90 minutes for a complete journey at ¥420 (JR train ¥270 and Nishitetsu train at ¥150).
• By Bus : From the Hakata bus terminal to Daizaifu by Nishitetsu bus with 40 minutes at ¥600.

Take note that Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi and JR Futsukaichi Station are not adjacent to about 20 minutes walking distance.

Yanagawa Riverboat Cruise

Build in 1588, Yanagawa (柳川市, Yanagawa-shi) is a nostalgic castle town with water-filled moats crisscrossing the town. It is like a Japanese version of Venice and best to enjoy the serene place with a riverboat ride. Experience the traditional Japanese culture by cruising through the Yanagawa River on a donkobun (traditional boat), wearing the bamboo hat, and accompanied by traditional Japanese trot songs from a professional helmsman. A great place to spend a relaxing evening. 

Yanagawa is a great place for cherry blossoms with lined sakura trees along the river. It is spectacular when sakura is in full bloom. Enjoy your day by wearing traditional kimono in town.

Kimono Rental in Yanagawa

Getting There : From Nishitetsu Tenjin Station, take the Nishitetsu train (Nishi-Tenjin Oedo Line) and get off at the Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station. Then, transfer to the bus and get off at Minjomachiat Station.

Canal City Hakata

The largest shopping complex and one of the most iconic buildings in Fukuoka city. The Canal City Hakata is home to over 200 shops, cafes, and restaurants, and can easily spend your time here. There is also a dynamic colorful water fountain with regular shows and attractive lighting and visual effects. Best place to visit if you love shopping and grab some food to keep you entertained.

Getting There : 15 minutes walk from Hakata Station.

Fukuoka Castle and Ohori Park

The ruins of Fukuoka Castle (福岡城跡, Fukuokajōato) were once the Kyushu’s great castles but were completely torn down after the Meiji Restoration. Nowadays, there are few turrets and ruined walls remain. Fukuoka Castle also has a few lookout points that offer a great view of and city.

Next, walked to the nearby Ohori Park. The Ohori Park (大濠公園, Ōhori-kōen) is a lovely spacious park with flowers, trees, and a beautiful lake. It is the best place to tuck away from the hustle and bustle of Fukuoka city. Many locals love to spend their time with family, jogging around, and enjoying the leisure walk around the park. Enjoy the relaxing stroll in Ohori Park.

If you are in Fukuoka during cherry blossom, make sure to visit this area to mesmerize the beauty of sakura. It is the best place for hanami viewing in Fukuoka.

Getting there : 10 to 15-minute walk from Ohori Koen Subway Station.

Kushida Shrine

Located in the central of Fukuoka city, Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社, Kushida-jinja) is one of the important shrines among locals and is dedicated to an obscure deity from the annals of Buddhism. The history can be dated back to early as 757 when Hakata was flourishing as a port city in China and Korea.

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa (博多祇園山笠) is one of the most interesting festivals in Japan which is held during summer from 1st to 15th July. During the festival, all the neighborhoods of Fukuoka’s Hakata district pushed the giant, lavishly festival floats, named Kazari Yamakasa against each other throughout the city. The Kazari Yamakasa is beautifully decorated with samurai warriors, Japanese fairy tales, and anime. It will rebuild and then be stationed in Kushida Shrine after the festival for one year.

Getting there : The nearest station is Nakasukawabata and Gion subway station with an 8-minute walk to the Kushida Shrine.

Fukuoka Tower

If you have more time, you may put the Fukuoka Tower into your itinerary. At Fukuoka tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Fukuoka from Japan’s tallest seaside tower. The views from a whopping 234m above and illumination at night were fantastic!

Besides, many couples love to spend time visiting the Fukuoka landmark and purchasing a love lock to leave their mark on this magnificent tower. One of the creative ways to commemorate your visit to the tower.

You can get the Fukuoka Tower E-ticket and enter directly by showing the mobile or printed voucher. One of the popular sightseeing places for night view in Fukuoka.  

Yatai Food Stalls

Fukuoka is the birthplace of many local delicacies such as tonkatsu ramen, motsunabe, and more. One of the most unique food cultures in Fukuoka is the yatai (屋台) . It is a type of mobile food cart stationed on the sidewalk and formed the unique Yatai culture in Fukuoka.

There are over two hundred yatai food stalls are spread out through the Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama areas. You can sample various Hakata specialties such as ramen, gyoza, motsunabe, yakitori skewers, oden, and even western delicacies. Enjoy your meal, chit-chat with locals, and experience the unique food culture in Fukuoka.

Nanzoin Temple – Fukuoka Reclining Buddha

Nanzoin Temple (南蔵院) is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Sasaguri, Fukuoka. There’s no shining gold temple waiting for you here. Instead, it’s just an old historical temple calm and serene, surrounded by lush green. It is said to have the world’s biggest bronze statue, a gorgeous 41-meter, 11-meter high reclining Buddha tucked away in the mountaintop.

This lesser-known attraction is easily do a half-day trip from Fukuoka. We made a trip to Nanzoin temple to see the famously large bronze Fukuoka Reclining Buddha. A lovely place to visit and highly recommended!

Read more for our trip: Nanzoin Temple: A Travel Guide Blog

Note that Nanzoin Temple is a place of worship. So please be mindful of the temple etiquette which is to keep quiet, dress modestly, cover tattoos, and be respectful.

Getting there : A short 25 minutes local train ride on the JR Sasaguri Line from Hakata station to Kidonanzoin-mae station

Have Some Extra Time in Fukuoka?

If you’re even up for more fun with extra time to spend in Fukuoka, be sure to check out our suggestion below. There are tons of places to enjoy and can be freely included in your Fukuoka itinerary.

[New!] Check out the teamLab’s new museum, “teamLab Forest” inside the “Boss E.ZO FUKUOKA” complex on the grounds of the Fukuoka PayPay Dome! Get the FUKUOKA teamLab Forest Admission Ticket via Klook .

Day Trip From Fukuoka

Thanks to the well-connected railway system in Kyushu, Fukuoka is a great base to stay and plan for a day trip. Some travelers even make good use of the Kyushu JR Pass and travel to nearby prefectures for round trips within 1 day. Below are a few top attractions within 2 hours of the JR train journey to the nearby prefecture.

From Fukuoka To Yufuin

Yufuin : Ride with the most popular scenic train, Yufuin no mori (ゆふいんの森) from Fukuoka to Yufuin. It is a forest theme sightseeing train with a reservation is a MUST for the ride. The scenic onsen town is famous for its hot spring and a variety of artisan boutiques, cute shops, and food stalls. Wandering in town is very relaxing in an idyllic atmosphere. If you are love for relaxing stroll, consider spending one night in the scenic town and soaking in the hot spring bath.

• Further Read On : What To Do in Yufuin in One Day
• What to eat in Yufuin :  Yufumabushi Shin Food Blog: Must Eat Food in Yufuin

From Fukuoka To Nagasaki, Sasebo

Nagasaki prefecture is worth spending more than a day trip. But if you are only limited in time, Nagasaki can be visited within one day for only one attraction per day. From Fukuoka to Nagasaki take about 2 hours train ride. Nagasaki city offers extensive insight into Japan during the World War II period.

Get Discounted Ticket for Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch amuse park is a replicated theme park with the ambiance of a 17th-century Dutch town. And Sasebo is famous for its Kujukushima Sightseeing Cruise at Ninety Nine Islands. I vote for the Sasebo and took an amazing time for the Kujukushima Sightseeing Cruise.

Further read on :

• Nagasaki Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Sasebo Itinerary: Kujukushima Sightseeing Cruise

From Fukuoka To Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu (Mojiko, Kokura) : Plan for a day trip to the Northernmost city in Fukuoka about 2 hours away by train or bus. It is also the gateway between Honshu and Kyushu. Mojiko is home to an interesting mix of traditional Japan and modern culture. It is a stunning city full of historical buildings over 100 years old. Or check out the historical city and visit the Kokura Castle.

Further read on : 

• [Kitakyushu] 1-Day Kitakyushu Itinerary To Shimonoseki, Mojiko, Kokura
• [Kitakyushu] Karato Market: Sushi Battle Event in Shimonoseki

What To Eat

Besides the Yatai food stall culture that we recommended previously, Fukuoka is truly a paradise for the food lover. It is the birthplace of many famous Japanese foods with a wide range of good food to choose from. Below are the must-eat food in Fukuoka if you are in town.

Hakata ramen or tonkatsu ramen is a must-try food in Fukuoka. The milky white pork broth is slowly cooked for a long period and perfectly matches with thin noodles. Besides the world-famous Ichiran ramen, Fukuoka also has many local ramen shops such as Hakata Issou, Ikkousha Fukuoka, Ippundo ramen awaiting you to discover.

Motsunabe is Japanese hot pot dish made from beef or pork tripe or other offal. It is popular among locals and served with different flavors such as salt, miso, or soy sauce. This mouth-watering hotpot is delicious and great to enjoy with a group of friends.

Mizutaki is a kind of chicken hotpot, gentle slow-cooked with long hours and effort. Together with vegetables, mushroom, and local ingredient, the mizutaki bring out a flavorful and delectable taste.

We have an amazing food tour in Fukuoka. If you are still not sure what to eat in Fukuoka, check out our food review below:

Fukuoka Food Guide: Best Must Eat Food in Fukuoka

• Hakata Motsunabe Ooyama: Fukuoka Must Eat Food
• Tanya Hakata: Breakfast with Beef Tongue in Fukuoka

Hakata Hanamidori Mizutaki: Fukuoka Best Chicken Delicacy

• Hakata Issou: Local Favorite Best Ramen in Fukuoka

Where To Stay

Fukuoka consists of two main wards in the city center which are Hakata and Tenjin . We highly recommended staying nearby Hakata Station or the Tenjin area. Both places are adjacent and divided by a river.

The Hakata and Tenjin are the main hubs for doing some shopping, sightseeing, and food hunting with many restaurants, shopping malls, and accommodations. For budget travelers, consider choosing nearby the Nakasu Kawabata area where lots of cheaper hostels and budget stays are available.

Best Hotel To Stay

Many locals and foreign travelers are flocking to Fukuoka every day. While the weekend is the busiest and packed with thousands of locals and visitors from remain prefectures. So make sure to reserve your best hotel early. The room rate can hike up during the weekend and peak season.

Below are our best picks if you are looking for where to stay in Fukuoka :

• Miyako Hotel Hakata : Newly open in September 2019, Miyako Hotel Hakata is a great base for travelers if you are planning to get around in Kyushu by JR train. It is located right next to JR Hakata station which is very superbly convenient for getting around. Spacious room, comfortable bed, new and clean facilities.
• The Hakata Green Hotel (No.2) is the best option for those to look for a convenient stay in Hakata within the budget. Although the hotel is slightly dated, it offers an excellent location about a 3-minute walk from Hakata Station. Extremely popular and easily full book.
• Hotel Mystays Tenjin is one of the best stays in the Tenjin area. It is conveniently located nearby the Tenjin subway and bus station. Surrounded by shopping malls with a wide selection of eateries nearby.
• Montan Hakata is more than the budget stays in Fukuoka. It offers a wide selection of private rooms for double, triple, or quadruple for group travelers and also dormitory rooms for solo travelers. This impeccably designed hostel is located about 5 to 10 minutes with two subway stations nearby.

Lastly, if the above recommendation does not meet your requirement, check out our Accommodation Guide: Where To Stay in Fukuoka .

Overview: Fukuoka Travel Guide

It is pretty easy to plan for 1-Day, 3-days, or even 5 days of Fukuoka itinerary . Fukuoka city is good for one to two days of visit and plan for trips to other interesting places nearby. We recommended you get the JR Kyushu Pass if you’re planning to travel around by JR train from Fukuoka.

Last but not least, hopefully, our Fukuoka itinerary travel guide blog can give you some inspiration for planning your trip. If you are having more days, you can even plan further your trip to Kumamoto, Kurokawa Onsen, Takachiho gorge, or even Beppu. Free feel to read our travel blog below if you need more ideas for traveling around.

How To Plan Your Kyushu Itinerary: Ultimate Guide

Northern Kyushu (Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kurokawa Onsen, Beppu, Yufuin, Kitakyushu, and more):

• Things To Do in Kumamoto: 1-Day Itinerary
• Things To Do in Aso For 1-Day Aso Itinerary
• Kurokawa Onsen: A Guide To Natural Hot Spring Town
• Beppu Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Yufuin Travel Guide: Must Eat Food And Things To Do

Southern Kyushu (Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Takachiho Gorge):

• Kagoshima itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Day Trip Sakurajima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

• Miyazaki Itinerary: What to do and eat in Miyazaki
• Takachiho Gorge Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary Blog

You Might Interested:

Where To Stay in Fukuoka: Top Three Best Places

Looking for an accommodation guide to decide where to stay in Fukuoka? Here's best pick...

For a glimpse of wonderful chicken delicacy, check out the best mizutaki from Hakata Hanamidori....

How To Reserve Kyushu Highway Bus Ticket, Explained

A simple guide on how to reserved Kyushu highway bus ticket with clear explanation. Include...

Beppu Must Try Food: Jigokumushi Kobo Kannawa

Experience the unique Jigoku mushi Kobo Kannawa when visiting Beppu. This hell steaming cuisine is...

Visiting Sakurajima? Here is all the information you need to plan your Sakurajima itinerary as...

Toyotsune Beppu: Must Try Best Tempura Rice Bowl

Don't miss your visit to Toyotsune Beppu for their popular tempura rice bowl. One of...

• X (Twitter)

Fukuoka Japan Vlog

If you have not followed us in the past few vlogs, we are traveling all over Japan using our JR rail pass which gives you unlimited travel on JR trains, buses, and the one and only Ferry that you will find in Hiroshima which takes you to the Island of Miyajima. Continue watching the series as we attempt to make our way all the way to the bottom and top of Japan!

Subscribe for more! 🥰

🌸🌸 Connect with us here: https://urlgeni.us/wanderlustweekly

🌸Continue watching the series 👇 Watch the PREVIOUS Episode ➡️ https://youtu.be/cGPE3-j9JqM?si=KWaMRxmVXn6qVkFB or Start watching from the Beginning ➡ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuEEVn_Q9pqsy7KcTgH8Z85crT-co2v2B

Also, if you found value in our work please consider supporting us: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wewanderlustco

🌸Our Travel Credit Card – Earn 150,000 points with bonuses: https://bit.ly/travelcreditcard2024

🌸Get access to exclusive content, such as several tools, real-time updates, insights & recommendations + the Wanderlust Weekly newsletter (giving you access to sweet discounts and promos for travel and lifestyle) https://wewanderlust.co/

🌸If you find value in our videos, here are some ways you can support us! ≜ Hit SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and SHARE our videos with your family & friends! @WeWanderlustCo ≜Reliable Travel Insurance That We Use and Recommend: https://wewanderlust.co/travelinsurance ≜ Check out our new MERCH Collection https://wewanderlustco.creator-spring.com ≜ Coffee: we appreciate your generosity. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wewanderlustco ≜ Support us directly https://paypal.me/wewanderlustco

⍛ Gear & Travel Essentials for Full-Time Travel: https://wewanderlust.co/travelessentials

⍛ Where We Get Our Music: 🌸 Artlist: https://artlist.io/Waseem-4114201

⋒ Let’s Connect ⋒ 🌸 BLOG: https://wewanderlust.co/ 🌸 Business Inquiries: [email protected] 🌸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wewanderlustco

🌸 Places mentioned in this video: I don’t knöw Cafe – https://maps.app.goo.gl/aPHDucdJD1ycmv4aA Nanzoin (Worlds Largest Bronze Buddha) – https://maps.app.goo.gl/YmJZuWiVWXUagDjL6 Hakata Station (Christmas Market) – https://maps.app.goo.gl/WH5bLphUXBdT4gEb9

🌸How to Get there: Nanzoin Temple, get off at Kidonanzoin-Mae Station – https://maps.app.goo.gl/gtvvKFqdfd1HoxhEA

#fukuoka #japan #vlog

Disclaimer: Some links in the description are affiliate links. If you click on some product links, we’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Previously on WeWanderlustCo we arrived in the historic city of Fukuoka and after my accident   we decided to take it easy for the day and visit  Ohori Park where we tried our first Unagi Bento   Box and watched the sunset today we visit a cafe  that has the best desserts before heading out  

To nzone Temple to see the largest bronze Buddha  in the world to our surprise on our way back home   there was a full-blown Christmas Market at the  Jr Hakata station which we had to sh hey guys  

Hey guys yeah so today’s plan is to visit the  largest bronze Buddha in all of Japan it’s all   the way up in the mountain so we’re going to take  a train ride over there but uh quick update On’s  

Head from yesterday yeah my arm so there’s a  lot of swelling like on my elbow cuz I think   that kind of broke the fall but thank God there’s  no fractures uh I just had swelling and a lot of  

Pain less so we’re getting off to a late start  uh yeah we’ve been uh well sh’s been popping a   a lot of ipren just kind of uh get rid of the  inflammation but uh yeah to great care of me  

Thank you yeah we’re going to make it all better  by visiting uh a cafe uh desserve shop yeah uh in   this early morning so we’ll see but uh do you  know where we’re going yeah I don’t know yeah  

You don’t know the the Cafe’s name is I don’t  know oh okay I get it the ca’s name is I don’t   know and supposedly they sell some really yummy  looking Desserts and Drinks and that’s and uh  

We uh concluded that it’ll probably make sh feel  all better I think that’s that’s right let’s go   so if we thought we just got the last viewing of  jingle G in Tokyo we were wrong because we see a  

Street lined full of beautiful dingo trees and  this would a would be a good photo opportunity   if you missed that one oh nice so honestly  we thought we had kind of missed it because  

We were in uh K during the peak of uh m right  but uh I see there’s still jinko leaves on the   trees they still still hanging around beautiful  bright yellow yeah and did you see the entire  

Main Street line up of it so nice we have made  it to a cafe here interesting name it’s called I   don’t know I don’t know either well let’s go find  out I I don’t know what the menu is about [Music] yeah [Music]

Oh my goodness I’m so happy we came here uh it is  a bit on the pricey side but uh I really love they   were here because the the whole Cafe is so cute  it’s full of these cute little in hand painted  

Uh teapots and some delicious cute looking the  cutest looking desserts I’ve ever seen and yeah   like the vibe is really cozy and they have like  different themes throughout the year year so right   now they’re having like a Christmas theme which  is really nice and yeah so we’re here we got a  

A lemongrass ginger tea as well as an ear Dr tea  yep nice and uh and then we got a merine pudding cake I’m super excited to try this but it looks  so cute I really don’t want to dig into it but  

We must cuz we have places to be um oh my goodness  what was the thing that you said about um the cups   being brought later oh you know what honestly I I  was like oh yeah these are the um the little cute  

Little teapots and we’re going to get the cups  later but in fact this is the cup this is the   cup cute and in goes the tea hey with the nice  view of the train going back yes so nice it’s  

So nice we’ve seen like four different trains go  by along with the sh so these are great Vibe is   really nice and we’re just going to enjoy our  little dessert slash tea and then get on it

Way I’m not kidding good so worth it yeah it  is nice light creamy melts in your mouth and   it’s so mixture between like milk condensed milk  pudding cake oh my God this is so delicious really  

M and this is the lemongrass ginger tea I don’t  think it has any sugar in it I think it’s just to   compliment the sweetness all the sweetness that  you’re going to get from there but it’s not even  

Overly sweet it’s so good I like it nice hot uh  there’s a nice blender of lemongrass and ginger   but the lemongrass is more uh prominent yeah uh  but yeah oh my God this is like the best thing  

Ever if you come yeah definitely get this  I I can’t wait for L to try this oh it’s so   good yeah 10 out of 10 I think it’s making my um  arm all better yeah all better right now so good  

Probably do a few push-ups after this no but I I  can have another one so uh personally uh I don’t   know how I feel about that the experence cuz I  don’t know the experence I don’t know how I feel  

About that oh my God Cafe’s name is I don’t know  that a random name right it’s like oh like what do   you want to name the cafe I don’t know so I think  that’s maybe that’s how it was cre and it’s funny  

Even their logo the the mouth the two eyes got  it on the door so cute and uh it’s just full of   uh women just uh what was the only guy yeah it it  was just all cuteness cuteness overload in there  

So all Instagram I I feel soal okay how was your  spr it was so good oh my God if you do come to   you have to come to this I don’t know Cafe and  uh actually you it’s a one drink per person so  

You can’t just order like one drink just kind of  be there uh and then yeah lingering loitering but   so it’s like one drink per person and the little  dessert so yeah so the entire balance came out to  

What 185 yeah 50 which is like $12 it’s definitely  like pricey for us cuz we don’t usually do things   like this but once in a while I like to treat  myself to like cute little CA and coffee shops and  

This is totally worth it especially like to start  any guys let’s go catch the train over to the I I   thought you felt better I thought everything was  all good I do feel better in my head I think she  

Been trying to make me uh make me feel like  I need to bring her here again uh tomorrow   even though we’re checking out so yeah would you  like come here second time so guys I don’t know  

How I feel about uh that walking sign it looked  like an alien walking a girl I I would no but I   I I don’t know I I think the them of today is I  don’t know oh my goodness what is this going to

[Music] stop it was so interesting to  see we passed a uh down an underpass   or something and there was like a whole  bunch of murals and like artwork on the   walls which is very rare to see in Japan like  there’s no sign of graffiti your uh artwork  

But we’ve seen a whole bunch in Malaysia but  it was interesting to find that here [Music] [Applause] [Music] in [Music] it’s a massive right it’s very quiet and peaceful it [Music] is [Music] this is the world’s largest bronze  reclining Buddha not just in Japan but in the  

Whole world we are here at nanzoin shingun  Buddhist temple and it is the main location   among the 88 other uh temples for the saguru  I think sasaguri pilgrimage that’s one of the   one of the three most famous pilgrimages that  people will take and we are here to beh hold  

It yeah it’s massive beautiful 300 tons yeah and  what is 41 M by long by 11 M High wow wow oh my goodness as soon as we got off to the train  station we could actually kind of see the  

Head from there and it’s it’s better walk but  then you get to walk through the temple ground   so they have qu Pond they have toy Gates you  also pass like um the mini Buddhas that have  

All different of expressions and they could have  put cute little red beanies on them it is so nice   and here this is a place prol there’s many places  where we can’t do photographyy and that’s just

To aming wow it’s so good like it’s it’s one foot  as taller than yeah design at the bottom of the   feet is so nice uh it’s got like a little flame  so yeah so supposedly uh people do touch them if  

We’ve seen them I guess it brings good fortune or  whatever she thinks that uh it’s bigger than her   but uh it’s actually taller than me oh my goodness  look at this oh yeah so the design right so [Music] [Music]

Amazing so how was the experience every time we  go to a Buddhist temple it’s very like calming   and grounding yeah but when we were coming  I actually noticed that I had the um the  

Musical notes on these and I feel like you yes  I feel like you tap them or use use some type   of instrument to hit them and it makes sense a  lot of people walk past it but I no yeah I told yeah So you competed the whole Melody yeah I love  coming to uh Buddhist temples they’re just very   peaceful and quiet and I think with the hustle  and bustle of everything and even us like zooming  

With our Japan R pass just everywhere it’s kind of  nice to come to a a more quiet peaceful place slow I can’t help but just this whole Hakata station  it’s like a square but it’s filled with so many   restaurants and cafes and P of shops it’s  it’s filled with delicious pastry smells  

Like cheesecakes and and what do you call it the  this smells like delicious gu yeah it’s so good   look at these oh my god look so yum me I don’t  know you she get everything looks so delicious  

Aisle on a on aisle there’s so many delicious  likees I think we’re going to go with this it   is chocolate and cream cheese okay so let’s get  one p there we got the white chocol I know what’s   See’s [Music] favorite there’s so many options  available here at the station we just decided  

To go with one of the stores and it’s called Mrs  Elizabeth muffin they have about 36 sweet Savory   muffins and we got both sweet yeah this is the  chocolate and cre cheese and this is the white chocolate

Cheers today has been a day of desserts  desserts yeah is is it good is good here   the season y’all right we’ll finish this  off and then U there something special   here at the station that happens every  year yes check that and they also have  

A whole Green Space right in the middle  of the station where you can rest relax   walk down the beautiful pathway I come on wow  they don’t even have this in Mall sometimes oh it’s an orange and Emoji it’s like a whole  

Orange and emoji that is so cool yeah  I’ve never seen anything like [Music] that and man is it lit up in Christmas color  yeah cuz in the day you can’t tell right you   just have to see those wirers and everything kind  of but it’s all illuminated tonight aming it’s  

Like a it seems like it’s a like a Christmas  Market that’s what it feels like yeah exactly   yeah yeah they have like a molded wine they  have like yeah they different ornaments hot   dinners drink cheers oh my goodness sool  [Music] Tre amazing nice see are lit up in  

Blue all the trees are lit up this is so nice  this is what I’m talking about we’ve never   been to the Christmas Market uh but then also  like back home we actually don’t even have one  

We don’t even have a Christmas Market yeah so  this is this is such a treat yeah it [Music] is [Music] we’ve never experienced  something like this and that too   at a train station exactly yeah this is  actually called the jata square so it is  

A train station but then it has everything  and more that a mall would have I would say yeah who and look at the biggest Christmas  tree out there so nice there’s also   live performances here they actually sell candle [Music] toool Christmas candles snow  globes this is so nice this is like  

Little incense holders I’ve never seen  anything that is so unique they’re all   handmade in Lithuania and uh yeah  they’re selling it over here at   the Christmas Market so unique if things  couldn’t get any [Music] cuter makes me so

Happy all right guys we are going to call  it a night but we’re finishing our night   off early because we have the longest travel  day tomorrow yeah and yeah so we’re going to   see you in the next one yeah uh but if you  guys like this video like And subscribe uh  

We’ll catch you guys tomorrow long as day uh  I believe it’s going to be almost an 8 Hour   travel day too so all right see you guys  in next video bye next on we wonderless co so she did the room tour for me let’s  do the Wi-Fi speeds what oh my goodness

Related Posts

Van tour | para | vanlife oriented new awd sprinter conversion equipped with redarc electronics, russian typical shopping mall after 800 days of sanctions, 20240414 japan unveiled filmora 1.

Catch up on the PREVIOUS Episode ➡ https://youtu.be/cM7RaowR0Lk

I can’t believe I missed this cafe and Buddha in Fukuoka. It’s on my list now. You guys are so cute together🥰 Please come to New York ❤️

Write A Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

FUKUOKA TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget Itinerary, Things to Do

Fukuoka is a city that I often overlook. And I mean that in more ways than one.

My sister has been living in Hiroshima for a while now. While Hiroshima has its own airport, the cheapest way to get there from the Philippines is flying to Fukuoka. I have done this route many times now. For the longest time, however, the only view I had of Fukuoka was through the window of the plane or the train, never up close. Fukuoka was never my destination, just a place to pass through. That until this year, when I decided to finally stop and see what the city has to offer.

It turned out that Fukuoka is delicious. And I mean that in more ways than one, too.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING FUKUOKA

I admit, the biggest reason I wanted to finally explore Fukuoka can be spelled in five letters: RAMEN. Damn. I’m salivating just writing that. (Sorry for the mental image.) But it’s true. Ramen, for me, is Japan’s second greatest contribution to mankind. (Next only to anime, of course, haha.) I don’t understand why it took me so long to give Fukuoka some love and attention.

For many, Fukuoka is the ramen capital of the world and the birthplace of the most revered tonkotsu ramen, famous for its pork bone-based broth. In Fukuoka and Kyushu in general, tonkotsu is synonymous with Hakata ramen, named after the city’s central ward.

Hakata was a city on its own. But in 1889, it was merged with neighbor Fukuoka, present-day Tenjin, to form a bigger prefectural capital. Today, Hakata and Tenjin are the two wards making up the city center, where most of the action happens. The two are divided by a river. Hakata Station retains its name and is the centrail railway station in Fukuoka.

One thing I noticed about Fukuoka is that although it is undoubtedly modern, it moves at a gentle, relaxed pace. This makes Fukuoka an ideal choice for travelers visiting Japan for the first time or a perfect first stop in a multi-city tour around the archipelago.

Other info you need to know:

• Language: Japanese (Nihongo). The majority of the locals seldom speak English, but most of the signs and other tourist promotional materials have English translations.
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥). JPY 1000 is around USD 9, EUR 7.7, SGD12.3, PHP 479 (as of July 2018).
• Modes of payment: Most establishments prefer cash payment, but many of them also accept credit card transactions.
• Electricity Info : 100V, 50/60 Hz. Type A sockets. Plugs have two flat pins. Type B is sometimes used but not that common.

BEST TIME TO VISIT FUKUOKA

October to November , all things considered. These months enjoy pleasant and dry weather, ideal for sightseeing. October is when temperatures begin to drop to 18.8C average. It’s also the least popular among tourists, which makes exploring a lot less stressful.

If you don’t mind the cold, winter is a good option too. The temperature can plunge to 5.2C average, but it also sees the lowest precipitation levels. It’s the second busiest season as far as tourism is concerned, especially from January-February.

The summer months of June-August are the busiest, the hottest, and the most expensive.

HOW TO GET TO FUKUOKA

Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is the primary gateway to Fukuoka City and Kyushu Island in general. It is Japan’s fourth busiest airport (next to Haneda, Narita, and Kansai) and is connected to virtually every other airport in the country.

Manila to Fukuoka

The cheapest year-round fares for Manila-Fukuoka are offered by Cebu Pacific, which flies every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Travel time is 3 hours, 55 minutes.

This can still go much lower when there’s a SEAT SALE. Because it’s not as popular as other Japanese destinations like Osaka and Tokyo, there are usually more promo seats on Fukuoka flights and less competition. It’s just much easier to snag promo fares for Fukuoka.

Fukuoka Airport to City Center

The good news is: Fukuoka Airport is within the city. Hakata Station, which is the biggest and the central train station in the city, is only around 5 minutes by subway or 15 minutes by taxi. There are also a lot of hotels in the Tenjin area. Tenjin Station is just 12 minutes away by subway.

The bad news is: The domestic and international terminals are housed in two separate buildings located on either side of the runway. The fastest way to reach the city center is the subway, but only the domestic terminal has a subway station.

No worries, though. There is a FREE airport bus service that ferries passengers from the international to the domestic terminal. Other modes of transportation are also available to reach the city center.

If arriving at the International Terminal, you need to take the FREE shuttle bus to the domestic terminal first.

• Go to Bus Stop 1 and wait for a bus.
• Alight at Domestic Terminal 2, the last stop, where the subway station is located.
• Go down to the underground level and get a ticket.
• Take the Kuko Line for Meinohama or Chikuzemmaebaru.
• Alight at Hakata Station, which is only 2 stops away. Travel time: 5 minutes. Fare: ¥260. If you’re going to Tenjin Station, it’s 3 stops away. Travel time: 12 minutes. Fare: ¥260.

The bus is the cheapest way to reach the city center.

• Get a ticket from a ticket machine. Even if you approach the manned counter, you’ll be pointed to the ticket machine.
• Go to Bus Stop #2.
• If going to Hakata Station, ride the City Bus (Nishitetsu bus). This bus also stops in Tenjin. Travel time to Hakata Station: 15-20 minutes. Fare: ¥260 (Hakata), ¥310 (Tenjin). – If your hotel is closer to Tenjin City Hall or Canal City Hakata, go to Bus Stop #4 and take the Royal Bus. Travel time: Around 30 minutes.

Surprisingly, taking the taxi from the airport to the city center isn’t as expensive as I thought. If you’re a group of 3, this is a compelling choice, especially if you have heavy luggage in tow.

Here are the usual rates:

• Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station: ¥1200
• Fukuoka Airport to Tenjin-minami: ¥1580
• Fukuoka Airport to Tenjin Station: ¥1830
• Hakata Station to Tenjin-minami: ¥1080

FUKUOKA POCKET WIFI

Because of the language barrier, having a good internet connection in Fukuoka can help save you time and money. You will want this with you to get around: when navigating, using Hyperdia and Google maps, converting yen to your currency, and translating signs.

Klook’s unlimited 4G LTE pocket wifi service is a convenient option because you can pick it up at Fukuoka Airport and return it at almost any major airport in Japan. It also uses Softbank, which I have found to be reliable. It can also connect up to 14 devices, which means you can split the cost with a group. Here are more bits about it:

• Unlimited 4G LTE and 3G data
• Wide coverage all over Japan
• No deposit required
• Can connect up to 14 devices
• Battery life: 9 hours
• Return at any other major airport in Japan (see list)

The only problem is, it sells out fast. So if you have a scheduled trip to Japan, reserve it as early as you can.

HOW TO GET AROUND FUKUOKA

Most key tourist spots in Fukuoka are accessible by subway. If you’ve traveled to Japan before, you’ll have no problem exploring Fukuoka. It’s pretty much the same.

If it’s your first time in Japan, it is important to be familiar with how to use the train. One thing that has proven helpful to me again and again is Hyperdia. It’s a web-based search engine that would tell you train schedules and routes instantly. Just make sure you know the nearest train station to your destination and let Hyperdia do the rest.

Don’t worry. In the Places to Visit (Things to Do) section below, I’m indicating the station closest to each attraction.

For more information on how to use Hyperdia and Japan’s train system, read : HOW TO USE HYPERDIA .

Fukuoka Passes

If you’re staying within Fukuoka City only and you’re taking public transportation multiple times a day, get one of the following passes:

• Fukuoka Tourist City Pass , which will enable you unlimited rides on buses, trains, and subways around the city (except Nishitetsu Train). Valid for 1 day. Price: ¥820 for adults and ¥410 for children.
• 1-Day Subway Pass , which will allow you unlimited rides on any Fukuoka City Subway routes (Kuko Line, Hakozaki Line, and Nanakuma Line). Subway only, buses excluded. Valid only for 1 day, on the day of purchase. Price: ¥620 for adults and ¥310 for children.
• 2-Day Subway Pass , which will allow you unlimited rides on any Fukuoka City Subway routes (Kuko Line, Hakozaki Line, and Nanakuma Line). Subway only, buses excluded. Valid for 2 days starting on the day of first use. Price: ¥720 for adults and ¥360 for children.

Note that these are not valid on JR lines.

If you think none of these passes are for you but you don’t want to fall in line or get a ticket each time you use public transportation, you can use HAYAKAKEN instead. HAYAKAKEN is an IC card similar to ICOCA, SUICA or PASMO. All you need to do is hover the card upon entry to the subway station or bus and you’re good to go.

All these passes are available at the following spots among others:

• Hakata Station Tourist Information Center
• Fukuoka Airport Bus Terminals and Information Desk
• Hakata Port International Terminal General Information Counter
• Tenjin Tourist Information Center

Train Pass for Fukuoka + Hiroshima

If you plan on exploring multiple destinations with Hiroshima Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture and coming in via Fukuoka, consider the JR Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass. This will enable you to get unlimited access to designated JR trains (including shinkansen) and bus lines within Hiroshima and Yamaguchi. This also covers shinkansen rides to and from Fukuoka (Hakata) and ferry ride to Miyajima.

If your trip is only 5 days, this is a good deal. The shinkansen ride from Hakata Station (Fukuoka) to Hiroshima alone is already over ¥8000, one way. But this pass costs only ¥11,000 and it gives you much more.

Price: ¥11,000 Validity: 5 days

Train Pass for Fukuoka + Other Cities in Kyushu

If you plan on visiting multiple destinations on Kyushu Island aside from Fukuoka City, it may be wise to get a JR Kyushu Rail Pass. There are 3 types available: the Southern Kyushu Pass, the Northern Kyushu Pass, and the ALL Kyushu Rail Pass. Only the last 2 cover Fukuoka.

• JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass , which covers the northern cities of the island including Fukuoka. Available in 3-day and 5-day versions.
• ALL Kyushu Rail Pass , which gives you unlimited access to the JR rail network within the island, north and south included. Available in 3-day and 5-day versions.

Nationwide JR PASS?

If you’re visiting Fukuoka ONLY, you don’t need a JR Pass . It’s only for those who will make multiple long-distance journeys.

When is it wise to purchase a JR Pass? If you’re visiting multiple cities in Japan and you’re staying for at least 7 days. If your itinerary is more like that, purchase a pass before your trip. Klook offers the cheapest JR Passes available. If you live in the Philippines, the pass will be delivered to you in 7 days.

THINGS TO DO IN FUKUOKA

Fukuoka is easy to explore, and many of the attractions can be accessed DIY-style. However, it would be great if you join guided tours in order to have better understanding and greater appreciation of each stop instead of just gawking at it.

Having a guide means having more info not just about the history of the places you visit but also insights into the way of life in the city.

Most tours begin at Hakata Station.

Fukuoka Food Trip

Fukuoka’s biggest draw: FOOD! Fukuoka is the ramen capital of the world and the birthplace of the super yummy tonkotsu ramen!

On top of that, while the rest of Japan isn’t big on street food, Fukuoka embraces it big time, as evident in the popularity of yatai here.

A yatai (屋台) is a mobile food cart or stand stationed on the sidewalk. It usually opens in the early evening and closes in early morning. More than half of all the yatai in Japan can be found in Fukuoka. Most of them sell ramen, but other stalls offer a variety of other dishes like hotpot, yakitori, and seafood. There’s even one that serves French delicacies like escargot with wine!

We’ve created a separate post for it! Read it here: WHERE TO EAT CHEAP IN FUKUOKA .

Traditional Japanese Shopping Tour

Hakata has always been an eclectic trading city. Many of the businesses especially along this street are run by merchant families. In this tour, you’ll get to have a cup of tea, sample traditional snacks and see local produce!

Here are the stops:

• Rakusui Garden , a Meiji-era pond garden
• Minoshima Shopping Street , which is bursting with Showa-period shops
• Yanagibashi Market , aka Hakata’s Kitchen because it the city’s main market for over 100 years

Street Shopping Tour

This walking tour will showcase why Hakata has been a major trading hub for over a century. Even in the modern times, the city’s shopping and trading culture is alive. Here are the usual stops:

• Kushida Shrine , famous for the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, which features a time trial race of majestically decorated floats around the city. It’s also where you’ll find the biggest Otafuku mask in Japan and where you can pray for eternal youth.
• Hakata townhouse museum
• Traditional handicraft exhibition
• Hakata Kawabata Shopping Street
• Hakata Riverain Shopping Mall

Historical Hakata Tour

Hakata was once a separate city, and it was one of the oldest in Japan. This tour focuses on some historic sites that offer a glimpse into the city’s glorious past. The stops are as follow:

• Sakura tea store , to see and learn more about Yame and Japanese tea wares
• Ancient tomb of Xie Guoming , a Chinese merchant in the Song dynasty who played a big role in the rise of Hakata
• Jotenji temple , a Rinzai temple built founded in 1242 and its peaceful garden
• Tochoji temple , a Buddhist temple with a towering five-story pagoda

PLACES TO VISIT IN FUKUOKA PREFECTURE

Yanagawa river cruise.

Yanagawa is situated 50 minutes from Hakata Station. Built in 1588, it is a castle town surrounded by moats, used to protect the castle and its inhabitants from enemies and keep away animals. You can cruise down these moats on a small boat, which is great in autumn and perfect in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Outside these periods, you can still make this extra memorable by doing it in full traditional kimono set. Great for IG-worthy moments!

Nanzoin Temple and the Reclining Buddha

Nanzoin Temple is located in Sasaguri, 15 kilometers from the city. It is one of the most visited Buddhist shrines in Fukuoka Prefecture and even Kyushu Island as a whole. What most tourists want to see is the giant reclining Buddha. Stretching 41 meters, it is said to be the biggest bronze reclining Buddha in the world. If you make it stand on its feet, it is believed to be taller than the Statue of Liberty (excluding the stand).

Nearest Station : Kido Nanzoin-mae Station (JR Sasaguri Line) Open : 9am-5pm Entrance Fee : FREE (¥500 to enter the prayer room)

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

This is not in Fukuoka City but in Kitakyushu, which is the other designated city in Fukuoka Prefecture. This wonderful private garden shot to fame after several of its photos went viral online, thanks to its two spectacular 100m wisteria tunnels! It has become extremely popular especially during wisteria season which coincides with Japan’s golden week. Yes, it’s best experienced in April-May, but it’s also the most crowded time of the year in the garden.

How to get there : It’s quite hard to reach. During peak season (usually last week of April to first week of May), you can take the shuttle bus that takes passengers from Yahata Station to Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Outside this period, you can reach it by taking Nishitetsu Bus #56 from Yahata Station to Kamishigeta. Travel time: 20 minutes. Fare: ¥260. From there, you will have to walk for almost an hour.

Open : mid-April to mid-May and mid-November to early December, 8am-6pm.

Entrance Fee : ¥500 to ¥1500, depending on the season.

Nokonoshima Island Flower Park

Fukuoka City has plenty of parks that get adorned by flowers come spring, but for more flower power, you can board a ferry to Nokonoshima Island, where you can enjoy various types depending on the season. In spring, you can see cherry blossoms, rapeseed blossoms, livingstone daisies, and poppies. In the summer, the place is carpeted with marigold, sunflower, and scarlet sage. In autumn, cosmos and the fiery foliage take over. In winter, you can still see Japanese narcissuses, camellias, and plums.

How to get there:

• From Hakata Station, take the Nishitetsu Bus from Hakataeki-mae A to Noko Tosenba (aka Noko Dosenba), which is the ferry terminal. Travel time: 42 minutes. Fare: ¥430.
• From here, take the ferry to Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal. Travel time: 10 minutes. Fare: ¥230.
• Then, board the Nishitetsu bus bound for the island park. Travel time: 13 minutes. Fare: ¥230.

Open : Monday-Saturdays, 9am-5:30pm; Sundays and Holidays, 9am-6:30pm (March-November).

Entrance Fee: ¥1,200, adult; ¥600, kid.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Ohori Park

Ohori Park is located just next to the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. In fact, the park’s pond used to be part of the castle’s moat system. It’s a great place to just relax, walk around, and admire the view.

The park is also surrounded by interesting sites including Fukuoka Art Museum (closed until March 2019), Korokan Ruins Museum, and Fukuoka Ken Gokoku Shrine.

Nearest Station : Ohori Koen Station.

Canal City Hakata

This giant mall is a shopping and entertainment complex with 250 shops and restaurants, two hotels, cinemas, and a canal with a dancing fountain that illuminates. But my favorite part of the complex is the Ramen Stadium on the 5th floor, a collection of eight ramen shops showcasing various styles of ramen!

Nearest Station : Hakata Station. From there, you can take the loop bus. But I prefer walking. It just takes 15 minutes or so. Not too far.

Open : Daily, 10am-9pm.

WHERE TO STAY IN FUKUOKA

Fukuoka’s city center is composed of two wards: Hakata and Tenjin, divided by the river. These two wards used to be separate cities. For locals and tourists alike, this area is unavoidable. I always found myself crossing the bridges that connect the two wards.

Many key tourist spots are on the Hakata side, but most budget hotels are in Tenjin. If you can, choose a hotel that is not too far away from either Hakata Station or Tenjin Station. As long as you’re close to either, it will easy for you to explore the rest of the city.

If you can’t find one near a station, choose a hotel near the river where Tenjin meets Hakata. This place is rich with restaurants, shops, and other attractions.

On my last visit, because I wanted to spend most of my time food tripping, I stayed at Hotel Mystays Tenjin-Minami . It’s located just a block from the river. Tenjin Station is within walking distance, too. And because I’ve been a fan of their branches in Tokyo, I wanted to try their hotel in Fukuoka.

For Hotel Mystays Tenjin-Minami, check rates or reserve here .

Top Fukuoka Budget Hotels Below ¥6000

Here are the top Fukuoka hotels below ¥6000 per night, as scored and ranked by Traveloka users.

• First Cabin Hakata (Capsule Hotel). Check Rates & Availability .
• Japanese Ryokan Kashima Honkan. Check Rates & Availability .
• Plaza Hotel Tenjin. Check Rates & Availability .
• Hotel Ascent Fukuoka. Check Rates & Availability .
• Heiwadai Hotel Otemon. Check Rates & Availability .
• Heiwadai Hotel Honkan. Check Rates & Availability .
• Heiwadai Hotel Tenjin. Check Rates & Availability .

Search for more Fukuoka Hotels

Sample fukuoka itinerary.

Below is a sample 3-day 3-night Fukuoka itinerary. It assumes the following:

• You’re taking Cebu Pacific flight scheduled to arrive in Fukuoka at 7:20pm.
• IMPORTANT! Because you’re arriving at night, make sure that the first thing you do after going through Immigration and picking up your bags is to collect your pocket wifi that you booked with Klook because it closes at 9:30pm.
• Your accommodations budget is ¥5150 per night. You can find a bed in a capsule hotel or a single room with that amount.
• You’re skipping breakfast . It’s healthy (according to intermittent fasting advocates, hehe)!

Make the necessary adjustments to match your schedule and preferences.

Day 0: ARRIVAL 07:20pm – Arrival at Fukuoka Airport 08:30pm – Collect Pocket Wifi at Arrival Hall 09:40pm – Board bus to city center, ¥310 (Tenjin), ¥260 (Hakata) 10:30pm – Check-in at the hotel

Day 1: HAKATA 07:00am – Wake up 08:41am – Train to Kidonanzoinmae Station, ¥370 09:30am – Explore Nanzoin Shine & Reclining Buddha, FREE 11:53am – Train to Hakata Station, ¥370 12:30pm – Lunch at Shin Shin or Hakata Issou, ¥890 02:00pm – Guided Walking Tour (Shopping or Historical), ¥3800 05:00pm – Walk to Canal City 05:30pm – Explore Canal City 07:30pm – Dinner at Yatai Lane near Nakasu, ¥1000 09:00pm – Back to hotel, sleep

Day 2: NOKONOSHIMA ISLAND & TENJIN 06:00am – Wake up, buy onigiri from convenience store, ¥600 08:02am – Nishitetsu Bus from Hakataeki-mae A to Noko Tosenba, ¥430 08:45am – Arrival at ferry terminal 09:15am – Ferry to Nokonoshima Island, ¥230 09:45am – Bus to Flower Park, ¥230 10:00am – Explore Nokoshima Flower Park, ¥1000 12:30pm – Quick Lunch 01:18pm – Bus back to ferry terminal, ¥230 02:00pm – Ferry back to mainland, ¥230 03:00pm – FREE TIME 07:00pm – Tenjin Yatai hopping, budget ¥2500 10:30pm – Back to hotel, sleep

Day 3: OHORI PARK, DEPARTURE 07:00am – Wake up 08:00am – Early check out 08:31am – Subway to Ohori Park, ¥260 08:40am – Explore Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins 11:30pm – Lunch, ¥1000 01:00pm – FREE TIME, Pasalubong hunting 05:05pm – Bus to Airport, ¥260 05:30pm – Check in, dinner ¥1000 08:00pm – Flight out

If you’re able to snag P6900 airfare, the itinerary above will cost you around PHP24,000 (JPY50,000, USD452, EUR386, SGD616) ALL IN , including airfare, tours, transportation, travel tax, meals, and accommodations.

If you have already booked your flights, the itinerary will set you back around JPY32,000 (USD291, EUR249, SGD396, PHP15,450) , excluding airfare and travel tax.

You can still reduce the cost by slashing your food budget or not taking the guided tour. Convenience stores and supermarkets sell meals for a much lower cost. But you’re in Japan! It would be such a shame to visit Fukuoka and not try their restaurants or even yatai.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FUKUOKA

Is fukuoka safe.

As safe as any other Japanese city, which means YES, it is very very safe. Irene, a female friend who lives in Fukuoka, says she can walk alone at night confidently. So yes, walk when you can.

What is the tipping policy in Japan?

Tipping is unusual in Japan. Most restaurants have the cashier stationed by the exit so you pay after your meal on your way out.

How long is the recommended stay in Fukuoka?

Oh gosh, tough question. If you’re just into sightseeing within the city, I say 3 days. If you’re after food, you might want to stay longer because it is impossible to try the most popular food places in Fukuoka in a week. If you want to see neighboring cities like Kitakyushu, Yanagawa, or even Nagasaki, then just add more.

Do I need a visa to visit Fukuoka?

If you’re from the Philippines, YES, you need a Japan visa. The posts below will help you get through the application process.

• How to Apply for TOURIST Japan Visa
• How to Apply for a Visa for VISITING FRIENDS or RELATIVES
• How to Apply for a MULTIPLE Entry Japan Visa
• Japan Visa Frequently Asked Questions

*Cover image Wisteria photo and Nokonoshima Island photo purchased from Shutterstock 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ • 7️⃣ • 3️⃣0️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• NAGOYA TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• SHIRAKAWA-GO ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary
• FUKUOKA AIRPORT to HAKATA STATION & TENJIN: By Bus, Subway & Taxi
• FUKUOKA TO HIROSHIMA: By Bus and Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
• HIROSHIMA TO FUKUOKA AIRPORT or HAKATA STATION: By Bus and By Train
• Who Wants a FREE Ticket to FUKUOKA, JAPAN?
• 13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN FUKUOKA
• 15 MUST-TRY FOOD TREATS IN KYUSHU (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita & Saga)

• Recent Posts

• FLIGHT RESERVATION for VISA • How to Get Dummy Ticket for Schengen, Canada, China and Other Visa Applications - 22 March 2024
• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with List of Covered Destinations - 4 March 2024
• Top 13 FREE Attractions to Enjoy in MACAU - 19 February 2024

Just want to ask if the line store in fukuoka is still open?

Hi! As far as I know, it no longer operates.

hi. i hope you can help me figure out how to travel to hirsohima from fukuoka. i found information that it is possible to travel between two cities by bus (including night bus). i went to the website of the bus line serving that particular route but i’m having difficulty figuring out the online reservation process. the site is in japanese and the google translate option isn’t working well for me. ill arrive in fukuoka at around 8pm and plan to board the night bus scheduled to depart at 10:45 from hakata station on the same night. i read somewhere that buying ticket on the day of your departure at the station is possible but i am really not keen on this option. i still prefer having a pre-booked ticket. hope you can give advice. thanks

Hi Enteng, I’ve taken the bus from Fukuoka to Hiroshima a few times, the latest just 2 weeks ago. I don’t pre-book though. I just go to Hakata Bus Center (3rd floor) and buy a ticket there. Usually, there’s only 6 of us in the bus.

do you remember how much the fare was?

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/11/fukuoka-airport-to-hiroshima-hakata-station-bus-train/

thanks so much..

Hi. I booked a a MNL-Fukuoka flight in May 2019 for 7D and aside from going around Fukuoka, I wanted to go back to Osaka/Kyoto and was thinking if it’s worth it to buy a JR Pass for this route? Or Are there other cities within the vicinity of Fukuoka that I can visit instead of Osaka?

Hi Rose, Osaka is too far from Fukuoka. What I recommend is Hiroshima. You can also visit other cities in Kyushu like Nagasaki. :)

Does it snow in Fukuoka?

Hi, my family will be going to tokyo this dec 22 from phils but the flight we got has a connecting flight, we will arrive fukouka dec 22 evening and the flight from fukuoka to tokyo is dec 23 at 7pm, i was wondering if we could go out the airport to see what we can do for a day and is it easy to find the way to the city? thanks

Hi Jong, most likely, yes. Can you tell me the flight numbers of both legs so I can check?

Hi. Booked a trip this April. Mnl-Fuk-Nrt-Mnl. In between, going to Osa-Kyo-Gifu. Please tell me how to take the night bus from Fukouka to Osaka. My second time in Osaka so I know where to go. Travelling with family.

You can book a Willer bus — just google Willer bus — or go straight to the Hakata Bus Terminal and book a bus there on the day.

Hi. I will be in Fukuoka Feb 1 to 6. Roughly 5 days. Would you recommend exploring Nagasaki also?

Hi Carlo, I haven’t been to Nagasaki so I can’t recommend it, but I would probably visit that too if I were in your shoes. :)

Hello, is there like a card like EZlink where you can load to be used on subways and buses?

Hi Pat, IC cards like ICOCA, PASMO and SUICA all work in Fukuoka.

Hi. Is there a JR pass we can use for our fukuoka to osaka trip? We’re only planning on visiting fukuoka-osaka-kyoto-nara then go back to the philippines via osaka. Thank you!

Sanyo-San-in Pass covers both Fukuoka and Kansai Area: https://affiliate.klook.com/jump/en-PH/activity/2729-7-day-jr-sanyo-san-in-area-pass-jr-pass/?adid=44625&af_wid=825

hello yosh~ im just wondering what to write in the application form, lets say, ill arrive at fukuoka airport on feb. 28 and will be staying until 03 march. should i write 3 days? or 4 days? TIA :)

Do you have any idea where I can buy tourist sim card with Data plan?

Hi CV, hmmmm, wala ako idea sa SIM Card sa Fukuoka kasi lagi mobile wifi ang gamit ko. :(

Hi Yoshke, thank you for this blog.

Do you have idea if the Kawachi Wisteria Garden is open for tourists around end of March? Thank You.

Hi Zee, ang alam ko, mid-April yung next na bukas nila.

Hi. Thanks for sharing this guide. But can I go to Kawachi Wisteria Garden with a wheelchair? I can walk naman po. But if it’s too far, I need to use a wheelchair.

Hi after reading this blog I already booked our flight. Fortunately, I was able to booked via Cebu Pacific under promo 5 days & 4 nights, for June. Is it possible for us to visit Hiroshima? If yes, how many hours the travel time if we take the bus? We are planning to stay for at least 1 night in Hiroshima.

Thank you so much. God bless you more.

Hi Angelica, yes it’s possible.

More info on how to get to reach Hiroshima from Fukuoka here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/11/fukuoka-airport-to-hiroshima-hakata-station-bus-train/

More Hiroshima travel tips here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/03/hiroshima-travel-guide-itinerary-budget-blog/

I’ll be in Japan on May 20, 2019. I would like to ask kung ano ng weather nun? Para alam ko na sana kung ano mga dadalhin kung damit. Tia! :)

Check nyo na lang po Extended Forecast ng Accuweather. :)

Hi what card did you actually use in paying for your transportation using subways and buses?did you just pay in cash to buy tickets for subways and buses?or did you use jr pass or kuko pass?we are just planning on sightseeing in fukuoka what pass can you suggest we should purchase for transportation like buses and subways.thanks :-)

I used my old ICOCA card. I didn’t use any pass because my itinerary wasn’t really packed.

Hi. We were about to stay in Fukuoka on June 20 to 24. Is there a beach near fukuoka international airport ? Meaning a good beach where we do not need to go to other city . Just a beach to relax even in the city .

Any suggestion for a simple hotel to stay or airbnb ? For a family of 5 persons near the beach.

Which is good, Hakata or tenjin ?

Tourist spots where we can go ? food trips but not expensive ? Tourist spots outside hakata or tenjin (recommend)

Sorry guys. It is just our first time going to Japan.

I need your help guys. Hotels near fukuoka international airport ( not expensive and near tourist spots).

Can you help me how to go to Huis Ten Bosch by bus from Hakata Station. You might have tips regarding the theme park.

We will be in Fukuoka on Dec 30 to Jan 6.

We plan to include Osaka because of USJ. What’s the best transportation to consider? We are group of 4

Our itinerary will be:

Day 1 Manila to Fukuoka ETD 9:45AM Day 2 Fukuoka to Kumamoto Day 3 Kumamoto Day 4 Kumamoto to Osaka Day 5 Osaka Day 6 Osaka to Fukuoka Day 7 Fukuoka Day 8 Fuokoka to Manila ETD 3:30PM

Hi Marlon, are you sure you want to visit Osaka na Fukuoka yung entry and exit nyo? Kasi it’s super out of the way from Fukuoka-Kumamoto.

The one-way train ride from Fukuoka to Osaka costs around 15,000 yen. One way lang yun. If babalik pa kayo, that’s around 30,000 yen. That alone calls for a nationwide JR Pass.

Flying is cheaper. You can find a one-way flight from Fukuoka to Osaka for around 8000 to 10,000 yen.

We are on a cruise which calls at Fukuoka from 12-45 until 20-45. Will we have time to visit Nazoin to see the reclining Buddha? Which way would we go there and back please? Would there be time to visit Canal city on the return journey?

Hi. I will be in Fukuoka Feb 13 to 18 2020. Roughly 7 days. Should i get the JR pass? we are just planning on sightseeing in Fukuoka what pass can you suggest we should purchase for transportation like buses and subways? and it is too long to spend 7 days only in Fukuoka? Any idea? TIA

1. No, you don’t a JR Pass.

2. We enumerated the passes in the post above. Read the HOW TO GET AROUND section.

3. For me, it’s too long for Fukuoka. Consider going to other destinations in Kyushu or Hiroshima. If you choose to also visit Hiroshima, get a JR Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass. If visiting other Kyushu cities, consider JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass or All Kyushu Rail Pass.

Hello!! Just wanted to ask if you personally tried the sample itinerary you posted? Our flight to Fukuoka is the same, CebPac arriving at 7:20pm. Im just concerned that if it gets delayed, I might not be able to pick up the pocket wifi I rented since the stall closes at 9pm. Do you think it’s better/safer for me to deliver it to our hotel? Thank you!

Yep, naabutan ko naman but hindi delayed yung flight ko. But if you’re concerned na di maabutan, you can have it delivered to your hotel na lang. I tried that too. :)

I might pa-deliver na nga lang since natatakot ako madelay. Maraming salamat!! Your blog is very helpful. :)

Hello. Do you think I need to avail a JR pass for this route: Fukuoka-Hiroshima-Osaka-Kyoto-Nara? My entry point (from PH) is Fukuoka, and exit is Osaka. Thanks. :)

How long is your trip? How many days?

Hello! Is it worth doing the guided tour or would rather not do it (I am a Pinoy expat in Japan so traveling would be easy)? If so, what guided tour is worth trying? Thankie

Is JR pass applicable to our trip fukouka- nagasaki-fukuoka-osaka?

Yes, but I’d rather get a JR North Kyushu Pass for Fukuoka & Nagasaki, then overnight bus from Fukuoka to Osaka. Much more budget-friendly. :)

I’m planning for a week stay in Fukuoka, Hiroshima and Miyajima, is the JR Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass sufficient? Can I use it for all those 3 places?

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

2023 FUKUOKA TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jan 3, 2023 | Fukuoka , Itinerary , Japan , Travel Guide | 4 comments

This is a detailed Fukuoka Travel Guide with Fukuoka itinerary and budget blog, things to do in Fukuoka, budget hotels in Fukuoka, and Fukuoka travel tips for first timers. 

Fukuoka is highly recommended for first timers in Japan . It’s the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture on Kyushu Island,  an urban patchwork of buildings, parks, and shops, and dotted with age-old shrines. Adding up to its allure is its considerable amount of gastronomic fortunes, including its yatai culture and the tastebud-tingling Fukuoka ramen ( tonkotsu ramen).

Fukuoka is a cosmopolitan with some serious shopping habit and nightlife too! But if indulgent pursuits put large dents on your budget, consider exploring beyond the city center and perhaps you’ll be blown away by the catalogue of surprises Fukuoka offers.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

FUKUOKA PRE TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST TIME TO VISIT FUKUOKA: The best time to visit Fukuoka is during Spring (April to May) and Autumn (October to November) when the weather is pleasant.  Take note of this when planning your Fukuoka itinerary.

Spring: I visited Fukuoka during spring, and it didn’t disappoint since many of the parks and temples here are dotted with cherry blossoms, tulips, and even baby blue eyes. It is still advisable to pack some light warm jacket or cardigan as it can get cold occasionally. You can consider spring for your Fukuoka itinerary.

Autumn: From October to November, the weather is also pleasant.  Pack some cardigans or light jacket to keep yourself warm in case the temperature drops in the evening. If you do visit during autumn in Fukuoka, sightseeing in areas with fall foliage is a must in your Fukuoka itinerary.

JAPAN VISA: Philippine Passport Holders/Filipinos require a visa to enter Japan. For a detailed guide on how to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines and the requirements, read the link here: JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR FILIPINOS

  FUKUOKA WI-FI: Stay connected online with a 4G pocket Wi-Fi that can connect up to 14 devices at once! You can pick it up at major Japan airports like Fukuoka Airport, Kansai Airport (Osaka), Haneda Airport (Tokyo), Chubu Airport (Nagoya), New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), etc.

RESERVE HERE (DISCOUNTED)

FUKUOKA MONEY: Most establishments in Fukuoka accepts cash or credit card.  But cash is widely accepted especially by small establishments. You can withdraw from internationals ATMs available usually found at major train stations like Tenjin Station, Hakata Station, at convenience stores like 7Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson, and at Fukuoka Airport. If your card doesn’t work at first try, give it another try and usually it works on the 2 nd try.  Money exchange centers are plenty at Hakata and Tenjin area. Before leaving the Philippines, you can also exchange your PHP to JPY at money changers. I like Sanry’s rate,  just Google the branch nearest to you.

  FUKUOKA ELECTRICITY: Fukuoka uses 2 electric plugs Type A and Type B. If you’re from the Philippines, we use the same type of power plug, so I didn’t need to use my travel adapter. For other nationalities, best to bring  a travel adapter. Japan standard voltage is 100 V and 50/60 HZ.  So if the standard voltage in your country is between 110- 127 V, you can use your gadgets or appliances in Japan, but if the standard voltage in your country is between 220 – 240 V, it is recommended to use a voltage converter in Japan.  I usually don’t use one though, since the voltage is lower in Japan, and I never had problems with my things, but just to be safe,  I recommend you use one.

FUKUOKA SAFETY: Fukuoka like the rest of Japan is safe and tourist-friendly despite the language barrier.  But as in any other places, avoid leaving your valuables unattended. Also, if you’re staying between Hakata and Tenjin area, avoid the Red Light District at night, remember this when planning your Fukuoka itinerary.  Stick to the main, well-lighted streets, and the lively bustling shopping street near Canal City.

WHERE TO STAY IN FUKUOKA  

When planning your Fukuoka itinerary and where to stay in Fukuoka, remember that Fukuoka City is split into 2 major areas: Hakata Area (around Hakata Station (Kuko Line/Orange Line)) and Tenjin Area (around Tenjin Station (Kuko Line/Orange Line)). So, if you’re looking for a place to stay in Fukuoka, these 2 areas are pretty good bases in Fukuoka.

Photo by Agoda/Hotel

But, I actually stayed in between these two stations (1-2 stations away) in Hakata: near Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Kuko Line/Orange Line) and Gion Station (Kuko Line/Orange Line), walking distance to Canal City and Nakusa, the red light district. I chose this area for the following reasons: budget hotels and hostels are also concentrated here, most of the key attractions in Fukuoka City can be reached on foot from both Gion Station and Nakasu-Kawabata Station, the shopping district is nearby, and this area is pretty bustling at night (just avoid the red light district unless you are looking for the best ramen in Fukuoka, which can be found here).

Here’s some of the top-rated budget hotels in Fukuoka by Agoda users that you may want to consider. Make sure you check the address before booking. Best to book a hotel near the subway station.

DORM ROOMS:

JAM HOSTEL Location: Hakata area, Fukuoka Nearest Subway: Hakata Station (3 min walk) CHECK RATES HERE

GATE HOSTEL FUKUOKA Location: Hakata area, Fukuoka Nearest Subway: Gofukomachi Station ( 3 min walk), Nakasukawabata Station (8 min walk) CHECK RATES HERE 

FUKUOKA HANA HOSTEL Location: Hakata area, Fukuoka Nearest Subway: Nakasukawabata Station ( 5 min walk) CHECK RATES HERE

SINGLE/DOUBLE ROOMS:

COURT HOTEL FUKUOKA Location: Tenjin area, Fukuoka Nearest Subway: Tenjin-Minami Station (4 min walk), Tenjin Station (10-minute walk)   CHECK RATES HERE  

HOTEL NEW GAEA Hakata Eki Minami Location: Hakata area, Fukuoka Nearest Subway: Hakata Station (7 min walk) CHECK RATES HERE

RESIDENCE HOTEL HAKATA 5 Location: Hakata area, Fukuoka Nearest Subway: Maidashikyudaiboin-mae station (3 min walk), Yushizuka Train Station CHECK RATES HERE

VALIE HOTEL TENJIN Location : Tenjin area, Fukuoka Nearest Subway: Tenjin Station (5 min walk) CHECK RATES HERE

FUKUOKA TRAVEL GUIDE

How to get to fukuoka,   manila to fukuoka.

For first time travelers to Japan, I’d recommend Fukuoka because it’s quite easy to get around, compared to other major cities in the country.  It’s also one of the cheapest cities in Japan to fly to from Manila.  So far, Cebu Pacific offers the cheapest direct fare from Manila to Fukuoka, with daily flights (except Tuesday).  They recently raised the airfare though, just early this year I was able to see flights for only PHP 3,000 + (one-way), but now, looks like the demand has increased and since there’s no other airline flying direct to Fukuoka, the regular fare is now PHP 5,000 + (one-way).  But, if you are patient enough, you can wait for seat sale and book a trip to Fukuoka.

SINGAPORE TO FUKUOKA

From Singapore, ANA Airlines and Singapore Airlines flies  non-stop to Fukuoka. Travel time is roughly 6 hours and 20 minutes.

KUALA LUMPUR TO FUKUOKA

Airasia has non-stop flights to Fukuoka. Travel time is about 6 hours.

OSAKA TO FUKUOKA

How to get from Osaka to Fukuoka? I often get this question. Thankfully, this is the route I took last time, because I was already in Fukuoka.  I just purchased a JR Wide Pass beforehand, and took the Shinkansen Sakura to Fukuoka from Osaka.

JR WIDE PASS: RESERVE HERE

Here’s the detailed direction from Osaka to Fukuoka:

1.From Yodoyobashi Station (Platform 2) in Osaka, take the Midosuji Line (Red Line) to Senrichuo. 9 mins.

2.Alight at Shin-Osaka Station. ¥230 (₱ 109, $2.11, SGD 2.88, MYR 8.76, ₩ 2,500)

3.At Shin-Osaka Station, take the Shinkansen Sakura to Hakata Station. ¥15,000 (₱ 7084, $138, SGD 188, MYR 571, ₩ 163,101), (covered by JR Pass). 3 hours and 28 mins.

4.Get off at Hakata Station.

Alternatively, you can fly non-stop from Osaka to Fukuoka via Peach Aviation, Jetstar, or ANA Airlines.

NAGOYA TO FUKUOKA

The easiest way to get from Nagoya to Fukuoka is by plane.  Jetstar offers the cheapest fare starting at ¥5,300 (₱ 2,502 – $48 – SGD 66 – MYR 201 – ₩ 57,563)  from Nagoya to Fukuoka.

HIROSHIMA TO FUKUOKA

1.From Hiroshima Station, take the Shinkansen Sakura to Hakata Station.

2.Get off at Hakata Station. ¥8,940 (₱ 4,221 – $82 – SGD 112 – MYR 340 – ₩ 97,097) . 1hour and 6 mins.

JR HIROSHIMA YAMAGUCHI PASS: RESERVE HERE

Fukuoka airport to fukuoka city center.

Since Fukuoka Airport is located within Fukuoka City, it’s pretty easy to get to downtown Fukuoka because of its proximity.  In fact, it only takes about 6 mins by train to get to Fukuoka city center from Fukuoka Airport. I went there just to check the airport and some details for this blogpost, and it was pretty easy.

There is a FREE airport shuttle that runs between the Domestic and International Terminal.  It operates from 06:00 AM – 10:55 AM (Domestic to International Terminal) and from 06:24 AM – 11:03 PM (International to Domestic Terminal).

Remember that Fukuokakuko Station (the metro station at Fukuoka Airport) is located at the Domestic Terminal 2.  It’s quite a distance from the International Terminal.  But like I said, there is a FREE airport shuttle bus between the 2 terminals.

Here’s how to do it:

1.If coming from Fukuoka International Airport, go to Bus Stop 1 then take the FREE Airport Shuttle Bus to the Domestic Terminal.

2.At the Domestic Terminal 2, walk downstairs to Fukuokakuko Station, then take the subway Kuko Line (Orange Line) to Meinohama.

3.Get off at the nearest station to your hotel. If your hotel is in Hakata Station, it’s only 2 stations away. Meanwhile, if your hotel is in Tenjin, it’s 5 stops away and if it’s near Gion Station, it’s 3 stops away. ¥260 (₱ 122 – $2.39 – SGD 3 – MYR 10 – ₩2823). 6 mins (Hakata) – 12 mins (Tenjin).

  You may also opt to take a bus from Fukuoka Airport to Fukuoka City Center. Here’s how:

1.Purchase the bus ticket from the ticket machine.

2.Proceed to Bus Stop # 2.

3.Take the Nishitetsu Bus to Hakata Station ¥260 (₱122 – $2.39 – SGD 3 – MYR 10 – KRW 2823)

or Tenjin Station ¥310 (₱146 – $3 – SGD 4 – MYR 12 – ₩3,366).

  Since Fukuoka Airport is in Fukuoka City, taking a taxi won’t cost you an arm and legs. Prepare to pay around ¥1,500 (₱708 – $13 – SGD 14 – MYR 57 – ₩16,291) for Hakata Station area and roughly ¥2,000 (₱944 – $18 – SGD 25 – MYR 76 – ₩21,722) if your hotel is near Tenjin Station.

GETTING AROUND FUKUOKA

Fukuoka City is divided into 2 major areas: Hakata Area (around Hakata Station (Kuko Line/Orange Line)) and Tenjin Area (around Tenjin Station (Kuko Line/Orange Line)). Most of the top attractions in Fukuoka City center are connected by subway/metro and are walking distance of each other.  Remember this when planning your Fukuoka itinerary. So, if you’ve traveled to Japan before, getting around Fukuoka would be easy for you. You can use Hyperdia or Google Maps. The thing with Hyperdia though is you need to know the station name of your origin and destination.

ALSO READ: HYPERDIA HOW TO CHECK TRAIN ROUTES AND SCHEDULES IN JAPAN

During my Fukuoka itinerary, I used the subway for getting around Fukuoka City center and getting to Hakata Station for my trips around Fukuoka Prefecture.

You can use the HAYAKAKEN card, a rechargeable IC card if you don’t want to line up and purchase a ticket each time you ride the subway. But if you already have the IC Card from your previous Japan trip like ICOCA, PASMO or SUICA, you can top up and use it on Fukuoka subway/metro.

Subway Passes

If you’ll be traveling via subway multiple times a day, you purchase the following passes:

• FUKUOKA CITY TOURIST PASS: For unlimited rides for 1 day on subway, buses, and trains around Fukuoka City (except Nishitetsu Train). Price: Adult – ¥820 (₱393 – $7 – SGD 10 – MYR 31 – ₩8,906), Child – ¥410 (₱197 – $4 – SGD 5 – MYR 16 – ₩ 8,906)
• 1-DAY SUBWAY PASS: For unlimited rides on Fukuoka subway for 1 day. Bus rides not included. Valid only on the date of purchase.

Price: Adult – ¥620 (₱298 – $6 – SGD 8 – MYR 24), Child – ¥310 (₱149 – $3 – SGD 4 – MYR 12- ₩6,733)

• 2-DAY SUBWAY PASS: For unlimited rides on Fukuoka subway for 2 days. Buses not included. Valid for 2 days starting on the day of first use.

Price: Adult – ¥720 (₱346 – $7 – SGD 9 – MYR 28), Child – ¥360 (₱173 – $3.31 – SGD 5 – MYR 14 – ₩7,819)

Many of the top attractions in Fukuoka Prefecture, which are most likely on your Fukuoka itinerary,  are located outside Fukuoka City and can be accessed by train from Hakata Station and Tenjin Station. Depending on your itinerary, you can save a few bucks if you purchase a train pass. Here’s some helpful train passes that covers Kyushu Island (Fukuoka and neighboring Prefectures).

JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS

There are 3 types of JR Pass for Kyushu Island.

• JR All Kyushu Pass: covers the whole Kyushu Island
• JR Southern Kyushu Pass: cover south of Kyushu Island
• JR Northern Kyushu Pass: covers the north of Kyushu Island

But for the tourist spots I mentioned below, you can use Northern Kyushu Area Pass, and that’s what I’ll recommend.

JR NORTHERN KYUSHU RAIL PASS: Covers Nagasaki, Yufuin, Beppu, Huis Ten Bosch, Saga, Sasebo, Kumamoto, Tosu, Shin-tosu, etc.

JR Northern Kyushu Pass: RESERVE HERE

If you’ll be traveling other regions in Japan like Tokyo or Osaka from Fukuoka, best to purchase the JR Whole Area Pass. This is what I used since after Fukuoka, I also explored Osaka, and it’s worth it because I was able to use it on Shinkansen Sakura to Shin-Osaka.

Take note that there are 5 different trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line: the Nozomi, Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, and Sakura. The Nozomi (the fastest) and the Mizuho are not covered by the JR Rail Pass. Your next option is the Hikari (the next fastest train) and the Kodama (slowest shinkansen because it stops at every station). If you’re off to Osaka or Hiroshima from Fukuoka, you can take the Shinkansen Sakura, covered by JR Pass.

JR Whole Japan Pass (7 Days) : RESERVE HERE

Fukuoka places to visit.

Here’s a list of Fukuoka tourist spots within the city center, mostly found in Hakata area and accessible via metro/subway (except for Fukuoka Tower).

One of the most popular Fukuoka tourist spots is Canal City. This massive shopping mall attracts tourists not only because of  shopping but also because of its dancing fountain show every 6:00 PM. If you want to try Fukuoka’s famous ramen, there’s a Ramen Stadium at the 5 th floor. You can also find Ichiran here (open from 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM), which originated in Fukuoka. Add this to your Fukuoka itinerary.

  Open Hours: Entrance Fee: FREE Nearby tourist attractions: Seiryu Park, Yakata Stalls, Kawabata Shopping Street, Kushida Jinja Shrine Nearest Subway Station: Gion Station

How to get to Canal City: 1.Ride the subway and get off at Gion Station. ¥200 (₱95 – $2 – SGD 2.52 – MYR 8) 2.Take Exit 5 and walk to Canal City. 7 mins.

  KUSHIDA JINJA SHRINE

Walking distance from Canal City is Kushida Jinja Shrine, which was founded in 757 when Hakata was a key port of trade between Korea, Japan, and China.  This is where the biggest festival in Fukouka – the Hakata Gion Yamakasa starts, which is held every July 1-15.

  Open Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM Entrance Fee: FREE Nearby tourist attractions: Reisen Park,Hakata Traditional Craft Center, Kawabata Shopping Arcade, Canal City Nearest Subway Station: Gion Station and Nakasu-Kawabata Station

How to get to Kushida Jinja Shrine in Fukuoka:

1.Ride the subway Kuko Line (Orange Line) and get off at either Gion Station, take Exit 2 or at Nakasu- Kawabata Station. ¥200 (₱95 – $2 – SGD 2.52 – MYR 8) 2.Walk for about 5 minutes to Kushida Jinja Shrine.

YATAI STALLS

Tis is one of my favorite destinations in my Fukuoka itinerary. After exploring Canal City, once you’ve had your fill of shopping and the dancing fountain, exit the mall and cross to the Naka River area in Nakasu, Fukuoka’s entertainment district. Look for the Yatai Stalls (open air food stands) in Nakasu and try dining there. Yatai Stalls are scattered everywhere in Fukuoka, especially in Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama area, but the ones at the southern end of Nakasu are said to be the best. I tried the popular tonkotsu ramen (Hakata ramen),a popular ramen that originated in Fukuoka, known for its milky, pork bone marrow broth at a Yatai stall in Nakasu, Fukuoka. I really love Fukuoka’s ramen (Hakata ramen) since the soup is thick and really tasty. This is not the best place to eat Hakata ramen in Fukuoka though, the food here are catered for tourists, but still, I really liked the ramen I had here (see the store photo below). If you want the best ramen in Fukuoka, locals I asked advised me to try it at local ramen shops, you can find some in Nakasu red light district, available from 6:00 PM to the wee hours in the morning. Take note that since the ramen restaurants there caters to locals working at the red light district, there’s no English menu.

Anyway, other recommended food to try at Yatai stalls aside from Hakata ramen are oden (a type of Japanese nabemono/hotpot), mizutaki (hotpot) and yakitori (girlled chicken in skewers). Yatai Stalls can only sit 6-8 persons, so you have to wait in line. I didn’t wait that long though, I just looked for a place without a long line because I’m already hungry. Haha It turned out one of the best dinners I’ve had in Fukuoka.

Open Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Entrance Fee: FREE Nearby tourist attractions: Seiryu Park, Canal City, Kawabata Shopping Street, Kushida Jinja Shrine Nearest Subway Station: Nakasu-Kawabata Station and Gion Station

How to get to the Yatai Stalls in Naka River: 1.Take the subway (Kuko Line/Orange Line) to Nakasu-Kawabata Station or Gion Station. ¥200 (₱95 – $2 – SGD 2.52 – MYR 8)

2. The yatai stalls area in Nakasu is about 11-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station or 15-minute walk from Gion Station.

If you are already in Canal City, exit the mall and walk to Naka River, there you’ll find the Yatai Stalls near Seiryu Park.

  FUKUOKA TOWER  

Fukuoka Tower is another famous tourist spot in Fukuoka that you can consider adding to yor Fukuoka itinerary. It is located in Momochihama area.  It is the highest tower in Fukuoka Prefecture and known for its unique architecture.  Fukuoka Tower is clad by 8,000 half-mirrors that make it look like a triangular building, hence the nickname Mirror Sail. On the 5 th floor, there is an observation deck where visitors can enjoy a scenic view of Fukuoka City as well as dine and shop at the ground floor of the tower.

  Open Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry is 9:30 PM) Entrance Fee: Adult – ¥800 (₱383 – $7- SGD 10 – MYR 31 ) Child (6-15 y.o) – ¥500 (₱240 – $5 – SGD 6.31 – MYR 19) Infants (4-5 y.o) – ¥200 (₱95 – $2 – SGD 2.52 – MYR 8)

How to get to Fukouka Tower:

1.From Hakata Station, ride a Nishitetsu Bus #306 at Bus Stop # 6 of Hakata Bus Terminal. 2.Alight at Fukuoka Tower Minami-guchi stop. 3.Walk for about 2 minutes to Fukuoka Tower.

Alternatively, you can also take Nishitesu Bus # 14, 15, 24, 204 or 151. Alight at Fukuoka Tower Minami-guchi stop. And walk to Fukuoka Tower for about 2 minutes.

  For a more detailed guide on other Fukuoka Tourist Spots, read my Fukuoka blog below.

ALSO READ: FUKUOKA THINGS TO DO (AND HOW TO GET THERE + BUDGET)

  fukuoka day trips.

Another popular Fukuoka tourist attraction is Daizafu, a mountainous city oozing with historical sites (many of them are designated as National Historical Sites).  It’s an ideal location for your Fukuoka itinerary.  Daizafu is the erstwhile capital of Fukuoka Prefecture before it was moved to the present-day Fukuoka city. Daizafu’s name is derived from an office called Daizafu (Government General Head Quarters) that administered Kyushu for 500 years.

Attractions in Daizafu include:

Daizafu Tenmagu Shrine Komyozen-ji Temple Remains of Ono-jo Fortress (National Historical Site)Remains of Ancient Daizafu Government Office (National Historical Site) Kanzeon-ji Temple (National Historical Site) Remains of Chikuzen Kokubun-ji Temple (National Historical Site) Remains of Mizuki Fortress (National Historical Site)Daizafu Site Exhibition Hall Kaidan-in; Buddhist Ordination Hall (National Historical Site)

For a hassle-free tour that includes a day trip to Yufuin and Beppu from Hakata Station, book below:

Daizafu, Yufuin, and Beppu Day Tour *Recommended : RESERVE HERE

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry is 4:30 PM) Entrance Fee: Main Hall is Free, ¥500 (₱240 – $5 – SGD 6 – MYR 19 ) for 3 attractions – Daizafu Tenmango Museum, Kanko Historical Museum, and Kyushu National Museum.

How to get to Daizafu:

Fare: ¥690 (₱331 – $6.38 – SGD 4– MYR 13) Travel time: 50 mins

• Take the subway Kuko Line (Orange Line) to Tenjin Station. ¥200 (₱95 – $2 – SGD 2.52 – MYR 8) 2. Get off at Tenjin Metro Station (subway). 6 mins. 3. Walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka Tenjin Station. 4. Take the Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line Express to Omuta. ¥340 (₱163 – $3 – SGD 4 – MYR 13) 5. Alight at Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi Station. 16 mins. 6. Transfer to Nishitetsu-Daizafu Line local towards Daizafu. ¥150 (₱72 – $1.39 – SGD 2 – MYR 7. Get off at Daizafu Station. 5 mins.

Travel Tip: To save time exploring Daizafu, you can rent a tricycle for ¥500 (₱240 – $5 – SGD 6 – MYR 19 ) at Nishitetsu Daizafu or Futsukaichi Station, open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Return the bicycles at the said stations or at Nishitetsu Tofuro-mae Station.

NANZOIN TEMPLE (RECLINING BUDDHA IN FUKUOKA)

A must-see on the list of places to visit in your Fukuoka Itinerary is Nanzoin Temple, home to one of the biggest reclining Buddha bronze statues in the world.  It’s actually a temple complex in Sasuguri dappled with shrines and temples, and is part of the “Sasaguri 88”, one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in Japan. The temple is known to bring good luck, because one of the main priests here is said to have won the lottery after laying his ticket next to the statue of Daikoku.

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Entrance Fee: FREE Fare: ¥370 (₱176 – $3.41 – SGD 5 – MYR 14.21) Travel time: 23-30 minutes

How to get to Nanzoin Temple Buddha (Reclining Buddha in Fukuoka):

1.From Hakata JR Station, board the JR Fukuhokuyutaka Line towards Nogata or Shin-Iizuka or Orio. 2.Alight at Kidonanzoin-Mae Station. 20 mins. 3.Take Exit 1. 4.Walk to Nanzoin Temple. (You need to cross Melody Bridge) 5 mins.

Travel Tip: While walking towards the Nanzoin Buddha Temple, check out the Melody Bridge, it’s a bridge with a xylophone attached to it where you can play music. Pretty interesting!

  YANAGAWA RIVER

One of my personal favorites in my Fukuoka  itinerary is the  Yanagawa River, another popular tourist spot in Fukuoka. As you might have surmised, it is situated in Yanagawa, a castle town in Kyushu that prospered during the Tachibana clan rule.  When I did my DIY trip to Fukuoka, I went Yanagawa to join the group tour of the famous Yanagawa River cruise that lasted for about 1 hour. Basically, the cruise uses a punt boat paddled by a Japanese oarsman using a bamboo pole while he shares funny and interesting stories to visitors and also sings nostalgic children songs created by Kitahara Hakushu, a Meiji era poet and writer of children songs who hails from Yanagawa. Though it’s in Japanese, I still enjoyed the tour because of the scenic atmosphere along the 470 km long waterways network. If you do this trip during spring, some parts of the river is fringed by beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom.

For a hassle-free tour that includes roundtrip transfers to Fukouka, join the group tour below:

Yanagawa River Tour + Tosu Premium Outlet: RESERVE HERE

Departure from Canal City, Tenjin City Hall, Hilton Fukouka Seahawk and Fukuoka Airport (International and Domestic) Attractions: Yanagawa River Cruise, Tosu Premium Outlet (optional shopping) Inclusion: roundtrip bus transfer ,Yanagawa River Cruise fee, travel insurance, tour guide

If you want a DIY tour, follow directions below:

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily Yanagawa River Cruise Fee (Shared/Group Tour): Adult: ¥1,500 (₱719- $13 – SGD 19 – MYR 58) Child (6 -15 y.o): ¥800 (₱383- $7 – SGD 10 – MYR 31)

Toddlers (5 y.o and below): FREE

*The boat ride is shared by customers.

Yanagawa River Tour Private Boat Rate:

Standard boat (for 6 persons, but maximum is 22 passengers ): ¥12,000 (₱ 5,756 – $110 – SGD 151 – MYR 461 ) and ¥1,600 (₱767- $14 – SGD 20 – MYR 61) per additional persons over 6) Cushion-seated boat (maximum 6 passengers): ¥14,000 (₱6,715- $129 – SGD 177 – MYR 538)

How to get to Yanagawa River:

Fare: ¥850 (₱407 – $8 – SGD 11 – MYR 33)

Travel time: 55 minutes

1.From Tenjin Station, take the Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line Limited Express train to Omuta. 2.Get off at Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station. 7th stop. 50 minutes. ¥850 (₱407 – $8 – SGD 11 – MYR 33) 3.Inquire at the Tourism Office for directions, but most likely you’ll be pointed to the boat tours, about 5 minute walk from Yanagawa Station. 4.Purchase the boat ticket. ¥1,500 (₱719- $13 – SGD 19 – MYR 58) 5.Board the punt boat.

While you are in Yanagawa, you can also rent Kimonos for your photo op in their scenic canals, park, shrines and temples.

Kimono rental: RESERVE HERE

  UMINONAKAMICHI SEASIDE PARK

Another must-see tourist spot when in Fukuoka is the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park , an easy day trip from Fukuoka City, it is located in Higashi ward in Fukuoka Prefecture, just perfect for your Fukuoka itinerary. During spring season,  Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is littered with tulips, cherry blossoms, canola flowers, and baby blue eyes flowers (Nemophila menziesii), it reminded me of Hitachi Seaside Park.

I recommend renting a bike for ¥700 (₱335 – $6) to explore Uminonakamichi Seaside Park because it is pretty huge and some attractions are quite a distance from each other. The park is oozing with tourist attractions, I recommend you allot 1 day to be able to explore it. It’s also perfect for kids and families, as many attractions are kid-friendly like the Children’s Playground, the Animal Forest, the swimming pools (Current Pool, Water Jungle Pool, and Dragon Sliders), Wonder World (amusement area), and the Flower Museum.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park Open Hours: March 1 to October 31 – 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM daily November 1 to end of February – 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM daily *Park hours are extended from 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM when swimming pools are open (varies with season).

*Park is closed from December 31 to January 1, and the first Monday of February and the following day.

Entrance Fees: Adults (age 15 or over): ¥450 (₱215 – $4 – SGD 6 – MYR 17 ), Group: ¥290 (₱215 – $4 – SGD 4 – MYR 11) Senior (age 65 or older): ¥210 (₱210 – $2 – SGD 3 – MYR 8) Child (age under 14): FREE

*Group rate applies to 20 or more visitors.

Bicycle Rental: Adult: ¥700 (₱335 – $6 – SGD 9 – MYR 27) per day, ¥400 (₱192 – $4 – SGD 5 – MYR 15) for 3 hours (extension fee ¥70 per 30 mins) Child: ¥400 (₱192 – $4 – SGD 5 – MYR 15) per day ¥250 (₱120 – $2.50 – SGD 3 – MYR 10 ) for 3 hours (extension fee ¥30 per 30 mins)

Wonder World Fare: ¥100 to ¥500 per ride

Baby stroller rental: FREE Wheelchairs and electric cart: FREE

How to get to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: Fare: ¥460 (₱221 – $4 – SGD 6 – MYR 18) Travel time: 56 minutes

1.From JR Hakata Station, take the Kagoshima Line Local towards Kokura or Kagoshima Line Rapid to Mojiko. 2.Alight at Kashii Station. 12 mins.(4 stops if local line to Kokura) 3.Transfer to Saitozaki Station. 4.Get off at Uminonakamichi Station. 18 mins (5 stops) 5.Walk to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park entrance. 2 mins.

FUKUOKA SIDE TRIPS:

  huis ten bosch (sasebo).

A popular side trip that you can add to your Fukuoka itinerary is the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, which was built to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the Netherlands . The park is split into 2 zones – The Theme Park Zone and the Harbor Zone. Best time to visit is February to May when the thousands of LED lights are illuminating at night. It’s like being transported to The Netherlands once you set foot in this sprawling theme park because of the windmills, tulip fields, and colorful Dutch-inspired buildings!

But more than the scenery, Huis Ten Bosch offers different games, playgrounds and shows, and the place is peppered with shops, and restaurants that cater to tourists. There’s even a man-made Amsterdam-like canal where visitors can experience a boat ride! It can be done as a day trip from Fukuoka, but you need to leave very early as the travel time via train will take 2.5 hours, one way.  I stayed in Nagasaki when I visited Huis Ten Bosch, which is nearer.

  Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Entrance Fee: Adult (18 y.o and above) – ¥7,000 (₱3,357- $64 – SGD 88 – MYR 269) Youth (Middle and High School student) – ¥6,000 (₱2,878 – $55 – SGD 76 – MYR 230) Child (Elementary) – ¥4,600 (₱2,206 – $42 – SGD 58 – MYR 177) Pre-Schooler (4-6 y.o) – ¥3,500 (₱1,679 – $32 – SGD 44 – MYR 134) Senior (65 +) – ¥5,500 (₱2,638 – $51 – SGD 69 – MYR 211)

Huis Ten Bosch Ticket: RESERVE HERE (DISCOUNTED)

Huis Ten Bosch Ticket + Train Pass: RESERVE HERE (DISCOUNTED)

How to get to Huis Ten Bosch:

How to get to Huis Ten Bosch: Fare: ¥3,880 (₱1,839 – $36 – SGD 49 – MYR 149) Travel Time: 2 hrs 37 mins

When planning your Fukuoka itinerary, remember that there’s a direct train that leaves early in the morning, around 8:30 AM.

1.At Hakata Station (Platform 4), take the Midori-Huis Ten Bosch Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch 3 towards Huis Ten Bosch. 2.Get off at Huis Ten Bosch. 2 hours and 2 mins. 3.Walk to Huis Ten Bosch gate. 14 mins.

If you miss the direct train, you need to take around 2-3 train transfers to get to Huis Ten Bosch

1.From Hakata JR Station (Platform 3), take the Kamome Limited Express Kamome 3 to Nagasaki. 2.Get off at Hizen-Yamaguchi Station (5th stop). 48 mins. 3.Transfer to the Sasebo Line local to Sasebo. 4.Alight at Haiki Station (10th stop). 55 mins. 5.Transfer to Omura Line local to Nagasaki 6.Alight at Huis Ten Bosch Station. 5 mins. 7.Walk to Huis Ten Bosch Entrance. 23 mins.

Yufuin is not located in Fukuoka Prefecture, but it’s accessible from Fukuoka City, and can be done as a day tour.  It’a perfect side trip for your Fukuoka Itinerary. What brought me here was the Yufuin Flower Village. I got curious, because articles have been raving about this hidden British-inspired Village, turns out it’s just a small area of pretty Instagram-worthy stores painted in yellow resembling tiny houses. Yufuin is best known for its onsen (hot spring), this place is peppered with hot springs! So if you haven’t gone to an onsen village yet, you may want to visit Yufuin and Beppu. There are also a lot of interesting shops and cafes here. I even stumbled upon a café serving edible flowers, I had the crepe with edible flowers and it was surprisingly good!

I’ll blog a more detailed travel guide about Yufuin.  But if you don’t have a JR Pass, it’s expensive to get there as the one way train ride alone will cost you ¥6,760 (FREE with JR Pass)! I suggest you join the group tour below, it’ll save you a few bucks!

YUFUIN AND KUROKAWA ONSEN DAY TRIP: RESERVE HERE

Fukuoka itinerary.

Here’s a sample Fukuoka itinerary 4 days 3 nights (Fukuoka only) with sample budget.

*Hotel, shopping, and airfare not included in the sample budget.

Huis Ten Bosch will eat up your budget for the Fukuoka itinerary above.  So, if you are on a budget especially if you are traveling during spring, you can replace Day 3 with  Uminonakamichi Seaside Park on your Fukuoka itinerary.

*If you replace Day 3 in your Fukuoka Itinerary with Uminakomachi Seaside Park, your total expenses will be roughly ¥13,330 (₱6,336 – $123 – SGD 167 – MYR 505 – ₩144,565) for a 4 Day 3 nights Fukuoka Itinerary.

  *If you’re not visiting during spring, for your Fukuoka itinerary, you can replace the Day 3  (Uminonakamichi Seaside Park) above with Daizafu + Yufuin + Beppu Tour : RESERVE HERE  

See sample Day 2 Fukuoka itinerary below.

  FUKUOKA ITINERARY 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS (FUKUOKA + NAGASAKI)

  Here’s a sample Fukuoka itinerary  for 6 days 5 nights, including a side trip to Huis Ten Bosch and Nagasaki.

FUKUOKA TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDER

• Tipping is not common in Japan. If you wish to tip or give something, never give money. Buy pasalubong/gift for your Japanese friend instead.
• Avoid being too loud inside the train or subway. Avoid taking phone calls inside the train and subway.
• Do not eat on subways, but it’s okay to eat and drink on long-distance trains.
• When using the elevator, keep LEFT if you’re not moving.
• Smoking in public is prohibited. Use the designated smoking areas.
• Big backpacks are frowned upon on subways especially during rush hour. Be aware of people at your back, make sure you’re not hitting anyone in case you are carrying a big bag.
• Vending machines serve cold and hot drinks. Those in Blue light means cold, while Red light means the drink is hot

OSAKA TRAVEL GUIDE

Kyoto travel guide, nara travel guide, nagoya travel guide, shirakawa-go travel guide, sapporo travel guide, hakuba ski travel guide, related posts.

ORIENTAL MINDORO: Things to Do in Puerto Galera + Itinerary 2024

BAGUIO TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET) BLOG 2024

2024 LILIW TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY

SAN JUAN BATANGAS TOURIST SPOTS + THINGS TO DO (2024)

No, I’m sorry. But you can screenshot. 🙂

Hello! This is actually quite informative. I’ve been to Fukuoka too, but I think I’ve missed out a lot of places once I’ve read your blog. Haha!

Thank you for this. Planning a trip in Early 2024 and this is a great help! 😀

tnxs sa info….. maybe june i visit fukuaka,,,,,

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• BEACH RESORTS
• BORDER CROSSING BY BUS
• Cruise Guide
• FERRY SCHEDULE AND RATES
• General Santos
• Historical Sites
• Hotels and Resorts
• Shiragawago
• SHIRAKAWA-GO
• Cameron Highlands
• Kota Kinabalu
• Kuala Lumpur
• New Zealand
• Cagayan North
• Camarines Norte
• Caramoan Island
• Catanduanes
• Davao del Sur
• Ilocos Norte
• Lanao del Norte
• Kalanggaman
• Mindoro Occidental
• Puerto Galera
• Negros Oriental
• Nueva Ecija
• SAN TEODORO
• Puerto Princesa
• San Vicente
• Quezon Province
• Northern Samar
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Capones island
• Zamboanga City
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Solo Female Travel 101
• South Cotabato
• Star Cruises
• Kanchanaburi
• Tourist Spots
• Travel Apps
• Travel Gadget
• TRAVEL GADGETS
• Travel Guide
• TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• Uncategorized
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• HO CHI MINH CITY

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Terms of use:.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• TRAVEL GUIDES
• DESTINATIONS
• ADVENTURE TRIPS
• HOTELS & RESORTS
• FIND HOTELS WITH DISCOUNTED RATES!

ads_banners

2024 fukuoka japan travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots and more for first-timers.

Planning a trip to Fukuoka, Japan this 2024? Check out this detailed Fukuoka Travel Guide Blog with sample Fukuoka itinerary, top things to do in Fukuoka, hotels in Fukuoka, budget, breakdown of expenses, Fukuoka tourist spots, travel tips and many more to help you plan your trip!

If you're looking for a japan travel and tours packages from the philippines , this is not a packaged tour. but i could help you plan your trip diy (do-it-yourself) style. okay, let’s get started., fukuoka travel guide blog 2024 for first-timers, japan visa requirements, how to get to fukuoka, japan.

HOW TO GET TO FUKUOKA CITY CENTER FROM FUKUOKA AIRPORT?

How to get around fukuoka city, subway trains, private car charter.

USEFUL FUKUOKA PASSES

Japan rail pass (jr pass), how can you maximize your jr pass, jr hiroshima yamaguchi area pass, jr kyushu rail pass, nagasaki shinkansen train pass.

WHERE TO STAY? HOTELS AND HOSTELS IN FUKUOKA CITY

Nine Hours Nakasukawabata Station

The Gate Hostel Fukuoka

Hotel MyStays Fukuoka Tenjin

Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata

Top best hotels in fukuoka.

• Hotel Nikko Fukuoka - See room rates and availability
• Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station - See room rates and availability
• Miyako Hotel Hakata - See room rates and availability
• Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk - See room rates and availability
• Grand Hyatt Fukuoka - See room rates and availability
• The Luigans Spa and Resort - See room rates and availability
• Hotel Okura Fukuoka - See room rates and availability
• JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Hakata Chuo - See room rates and availability
• Agora Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel & Spa - See room rates and availability
• The Blossom Hakata Premier - See room rates and availability
• With The Style Fukuoka Hotel - See room rates and availability
• Residence Stay Tenjinminami - See room rates and availability
• HOTEL WBF Fukuoka Nakasu - See room rates and availability
• Dormy Inn Hakata Gion Natural Hot Spring - See room rates and availability
• JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Central - See room rates and availability

CHEAP HOTELS IN FUKUOKA BELOW ₱3,000 PER NIGHT

• Heiwadai Hotel Arato - See room rates and availability
• HOTEL WBF Grande Hakata - See room rates and availability
• EN HOTEL Hakata - See room rates and availability
• Hotel Sunline Fukuoka Hakata-Ekimae - See room rates and availability
• Hotel MyStays Fukuoka Tenjin Minami - See room rates and availability
• Nest Hotel Hakata Station - See room rates and availability
• Plusone Nishikoen - See room rates and availability
• Valie Hotel Tenjin - See room rates and availability
• Grandouce Hakata - See room rates and availability
• Fukuoka Guesthouse HIVE - See room rates and availability
• Guest Room J's House33 N702 - See room rates and availability

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET IN JAPAN?

Japan 4g pocket wifi.

• Enjoy unlimited data use with a 4G WiFi that conveniently fits in your pocket for as low as ₱361 pesos per day per device. You can share the connection and can connect up to 5 devices per pocket WIFI. Pick-up location is at Fukuoka International Airport.

JAPAN DATA SIM CARD

• Buying a Japan Data sim card is a cheaper alternative if you're traveling alone. You can buy a Japan sim card even before you leave the Philippines. You may contact @travelsimph on Instagram. All you need to do is order your desired sim card, pay the amount, and they will ship to you the sim card. You just have to insert the sim card and turn on roaming services to activate it upon arrival in Japan. As easy and quick as that!

WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY?

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT FUKUOKA?

How many days to spend in fukuoka, useful japanese words & phrases for tourists.

• sumimasen - to say excuse me / call the staff in a restaurant or shop
• doko - where?
• wakarimasen - I don't understand
• ohayou gozaimasu - Good morning
• konnichiwa - hello
• konbanwa - Good evening
• arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you
• domo arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much
• ikura desuka? - How much is it?
• wi-fi arimasuka? - Do you have Wi-fi?
• dōzo - please
• gomennasai - sorry
• hai - yes / best translated "I'm satisfied"

TOP THINGS TO DO IN FUKUOKA + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS

You may ask, what are top best things to do in fukuoka what are the must-see tourist spots in fukuoka when you visit in this fukuoka travel blog, i listed the top tourist spots and attractions, and things to do in fukuoka you should not miss during your trip..

FUKUOKA CASTLE RUINS (Maizuru Park)

HOW TO GET TO FUKUOKA CASTLE RUINS?

HOW TO GET TO OHORI PARK?

HOW TO GET TO TENJIN?

KUSHIDA SHRINE

HOW TO GET TO KUSHIDA SHRINE?

KAWABATA SHOPPING ARCADE

How to get to kawabata shopping arcade.

ICHIRAN RAMEN MAIN SHOP

How to get to ichiran ramen fukuoka.

VISIT NANZOIN TEMPLE AND RECLINING BUDDHA

HOW TO GET TO NANZOIN TEMPLE AND RECLINING BUDDHA?

HAKATA STATION

CANAL CITY MALL

HOW TO GET TO CANAL CITY MALL?

RAMEN STADIUM

SEIRYU PARK

YATAI STALLS

RENT A KIMONO OR YUKATA

SENNEN NO MON GATE

How to get to sennen no mon gate.

VISIT TOCHOJI TEMPLE

How to get to tochoji temple.

VISIT JOTENJI TEMPLE

How to get to jotenji temple.

• Hakata sakura tea store
• Tomb of Xie Guoming
• Hakata Sennenmon Gate
• Jotenji Temple
• Tochoji Temple

OTHER POPULAR ATTRACTIONS, EXPERIENCES & THINGS TO DO IN AND NEAR FUKUOKA

Hakata alleyway tour.

• Traditional Japanese Shopping Tour

Historical Hakata Tour

• Hakata Downtown & Street Shopping Tour

Dazaifu Shrine, Yufuin, and Beppu Day Trip in Kyushu

• Yanagawa and Tosu Premium Outlets Day Trip from Fukuoka
• Fukuoka Tenjin Area and Tosu Premium Outlets Private Shopping Trip

Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso and Kumamon Square Private Day Tour

Kumamoto suizenji, yagawa river rafting, yame traditional street day tour from hakata.

• "Go on a historical and cultural adventure of Japan’s rich heritage on this fun day tour from Hakata
• Take in the tranquil atmosphere of Suizenji Park, considered to be one of the best parks in Kyushu
• Enjoy a closer look at the fascinating handicrafts of Yamae as you wander around Yamae Traditional Street
• Learn more about the history of each landmark and hear fascinating stories from the tour’s expert local guide
• Satisfy your taste buds with the taste of traditional Japnese cuisine as you enjoy sushi for lunch" -Klook

Tea Ceremony Experience at the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Hotel

• "The Hilton Sea Hawk is the largest hotel in Fukuoka that offers breathtaking views of Hakata Bay and downtown
• The accommodation offers cultural experiences! Take the opportunity to be part of a traditional tea ceremony
• A specialist will guide you through the ritual inside a gorgeous Japanese room with elaborate tatami flooring
• Pick the 60-minute Course, which will allow you to try your hand at brewing authentic Japanese matcha tea" -Klook

SIDE TRIPS AND DAY TOURS FROM FUKUOKA?

Top Things to do in Hiroshima

• Atomic Bomb Dome
• Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park
• Hiroshima Memorial Peace Museum
• Visit Hiroshima Castle
• Explore Shukkeien Garden
• Have a taste of Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
• Shop at Hondori Shopping Street
• Day tour at Miyajima Island

Top Things to do in Nagasaki

• Explore around Dejima
• Visit 26 Martyrs Museum
• Visit Nagasaki Peace Park, Hypocenter Park, Atomic Bomb Museum
• Ride the Nagasaki Ropeway
• Enjoy the sunset and the night view from Mt. Inasa
• Try the food at Nagasaki Chinatown
• Huis Ten Bosch Nagasaki

Explore Hita in Oita Prefecture

• Walk around Mamedamachi
• Hitamabushi lunch at Senya
• Visit the Kuncho Sake Brewery
• Sake tasting Kuncho Sake Brewery

Persimmon Picking at Migita Orchard in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture

Visit Yutoku Inari Shrine in Kashima City in Saga Prefecture

WHERE TO EAT AND SHOP IN FUKUOKA?

Where to shop in fukuoka here are my recommendations....

• Kawabata Shopping Arcade
• Canal City Mall
• Hakata Station
• Bic Camera ( Get free DISCOUNT COUPON here! )
• Hakata Riverain Mall
• Don Quijote Nakasu and Tenjin

Where to eat in Fukuoka? Here are my favorites!

• Ramen Stadium at Canal City Mall (must-try: Tonkatsu Ramen)
• Fukuoka Freedom Night Market
• Yatai Stalls in Hakata (must-try: Hakata Ramen)
• Ichiran Ramen Main Shop (specializes in Tonkatsu Ramen)
• Hakata Hanamidori (must-try: Mizutaki)
• Yakiniku Nurubon (famous for Yakiniku)
• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Misaka Hot Spring, Tenji Underground Mall, and Canal City Hakata Day Tour

BEST FOOD AND MUST EATS IN FUKUOKA?

Sushi Tomozuna at Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk

Lunch buffet and kaiseki course at koyomi in agora fukuoka hilltop, teppanyaki kinyotei in hilton fukuoka sea hawk.

SAMPLE FUKUOKA ITINERARY (3 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS)

• In this 3D3N itinerary, you will be taking the Cebu Pacific Air flight from Manila that leaves at 02:25 pm and arrives in Fukuoka at 07:20 pm.
• You will be using Fukuoka Subway Unlimited Pass for days 1,2 and 3.
• You will be staying at Nine Hours Hostel in Nakasukawabata Station.
• You will be joining the Historical Hakata Tour on day 3.

DAY 0 - DEPARTURE FROM MANILA AND ARRIVAL IN FUKUOKA

• Flight from Manila to Fukuoka
• Arrival in Fukuoka Airport
• Clear immigration, proceed to arrival area and claim your rented wifi device (pre-booked)
• Go out of the airport and proceed to bus stop 1
• Take the free airport shuttle bus to Domestic Terminal
• Go to the subway station
• Take the subway to Nakasukawabata Station (260 JPY)
• Check-in at Nine Hours Hostel Nakasukawabata (pre-booked)
• Walk to Ichiran Main Shop
• Dinner at Ichiran Main Shop (1,000 JPY)
• Walk back to Nine Hours Hostel Nakasukawabata

DAY 0 TOTAL EXPENSES: 1,260 JPY or 592 PHP

Day 1 - fukuoka city tour.

• Breakfast at convenience store (200 JPY)
• Walk to Nakasukawabata Station
• Take the subway to Ohori Koen Station (use subway pass)
• Walk to Fukuoka Castle Ruins
• Explore Fukuoka Castle Ruins
• Walk to Ohori Park
• Explore and enjoy Ohori Park
• Walk back to Ohori Koen Station
• Take the subway to Tenjin Station (use subway pass)
• Explore, shop and have lunch at Tenjin (1,000 JPY lunch)
• Walk back to Tenjin Station
• Take the subway to Nakasukawabata Station (use subway pass)
• Walk to Kushida Shrine (entrance is free)
• Visit Kushida Shrine
• Walk to Kawabata Shopping arcade
• Explore, shop and have dinner (1,000 JPY dinner)

DAY 1 TOTAL EXPENSES: 2,200 JPY or 1,034 PHP

Day 2 - nanzoin temple + fukuoka city tour.

• Take the subway to Hakata Station (use subway pass)
• Take the rapid train to Kido Nanzoin-mae Station (380 JPY)
• Walk to Nanzoin Temple
• Visit Nanzoin Temple and the reclining Buddha (entrance is free)
• Walk back to Kido Nanzoin-mae Station
• Take the rapid train to Hakata Station (380 JPY)
• Upon arrival at Hakata Station, explore the shops
• Walk to Canal City Mall
• Have lunch at Ramen Stadium at the 5th floor (1,000 JPY lunch)
• Explore Canal City Mall and watch the fountain show
• Go out of Canal City Mall and proceed to Seiryu Park
• Rest at riverbanks of Naka River
• Walk along the riverbanks of Naka River
• Dinner at Yatai Stalls along the riverbanks (700 JPY)

DAY 2 TOTAL EXPENSES: 2,660 JPY 1,250 JPY

Day 3 - hakata historical tour, shopping and departure.

• Check-out and leave your bags at the hostel
• Join the Hakata Historical Tour . Meet-up at Hakata Station (pre-booked)
• Take the subway back to Hakata Station, have lunch (1,000 JPY)
• Free time / Shop for pasalubong and souvenirs
• Walk to Nine Hours Hostel to get your bags
• Take the subway to Fukuoka International Airport
• Arrive at Fukuoka International Airport and return the wifi device you rented
• Check-in and dinner at the airport (1,000 JPY)
• Flight back to to Manila

DAY 3 TOTAL EXPENSES: 2,200 JPY 1,034 PHP

Fukuoka budget trip and expenses.

• You will be traveling in a group of two to share some of the expenses.
• You will be staying in a capsule hostel near Nakasukawabata subway station for PHP 1,000 per night per person.
• You'll be renting a pocket WIFI for PHP 361 per day.
• Your maximum budget for breakfast is JPY 200 and for lunch and dinner is JPY 1,000 per person.
• Conversion rate used is 1 PHP = 0.470 JPY.

PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES BOOKED VIA KLOOK AND AGODA

• Capsule hostel (3 nights) - ₱ 3,000 = ₱ 3,000 per person [ BOOK HERE! ]
• WiFi Rental (4 days) [ RESERVE HERE ] - ₱ 1,444 / 2 = ₱ 722 per person
• 2 Days Subway Unlimited Pass [ PURCHASE HERE ] - ₱ 344 per person
• 1 Day Subway Unlimited Pass - ₱ 298 per person
• Historical Hakata Tour [ RESERVE A SLOT HERE ] - ₱ 1,767 per person
• TOTAL - ₱ 6,131 per person

BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES

• Pre-travel expenses - ₱ 6,131
• Day 0 - ₱ 592
• Day 1 - ₱ 1,034
• Day 2 - ₱ 1,250
• Day 3 - ₱ 1,034

TOTAL - ₱ 10,041 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Fukuoka-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Food expense for snacks
• Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses

I hope this comprehensive Fukuoka Travel Guide Blog help you plan an amazing and memorable Japan adventure! Domo arigato gozaimasu every Juan! Enjoy Fukuoka!

Fukuoka video blog, you may also watch my fukuoka video blog below on you tube. please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to my youtube channel salamat po... :).

TRAVELING TO JAPAN? ALSO READ MY OTHER JAPAN TRAVEL BLOGS:

• Tokyo Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary
• Sapporo Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary
• Hiroshima Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary
• Osaka Sample Itinerary
• Kyoto Travel Guide with Sample Itinerary
• Nagoya Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary
• Shirakawa-go Travel Guide Blog with Itinerary

FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista

6 comments :.

wow! Tnx for this! Very helpful indeed.

yay found the best blog about fukuoka...permission to copy your itinerary above? i cant copy paste. can you send me email on this please. thanks much!

WOW! thanks for this info. Will surely copy this itinerary for my upcoming trip this April 2020, hopefully, if my visa will be approved.

thank u very much for the very detailed information...hopefully next year we can travel again...can u please send me a copy of the itinerary above.... thank u very much

Very informative & helpful. Thanks

Thank you so much this blog helped me a lot plan our future fukouka trip🥰🥰🥰

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

• Travel tips

Fukuoka Solo Travel: 25 Best Things to Do in Fukuoka Japan

As a solo traveller, there is plenty of things to do in Fukuoka even if are travelling on your own. As Japan’s 7th biggest city , Fukuoka is located on the north Kyushu Island and is well connected by Japan’s efficient trail way. Even though Fukuoka is not as well known as other popular Japanese cities like Tokyo , Osaka and Kyoto , there are many places to visit in Fukuoka.

And because of its proximity to Asia mainland, Fukuoka is one of the oldest cities in Japan and is an important harbour city . Today, Fukuoka is comprised of the port city of Hakata and the castle town of Fukuoka .

With a strong food culture and many things to see in Fukuoka, it is one of the best places to visit in Japan. Keep reading my Fukuoka solo travel guide and learn about the city and all the best activities in Fukuoka.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the disclosure for more info.

Table of Contents

What you need to know before you visit these Fukuoka attractions

Before you start your Fukuoka trip, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan . I included a lot of information including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.

Here are a few additional travel tips that you may find useful for your solo trip to Fukuoka:

• SUGOCA is the prepaid IC card for Kyushu. It is a rechargeable smartcard where you can take public transportation including train, subway, bus and other transportation. It is useful to have especially if you are taking day trips to Daizaifu , or other places in Kyushu .
• Fukuoka is an excellent hub for day trips as the city has many fantastic budget accommodations
• Walking is the best way to see most attractions in Fukuoka City
• Fukuoka subway has 2 major lines where it will take you to all the places to visit in Fukuoka. Use your IC Card at any time or purchase 1 or 2-day passes.
• Nishitetsu Railway has several train lines and will take you to many Fukuoka attractions but the one you should know is the Tenjin-Omuta Line where it takes you to Dazaifu . IC card is accepted on Nishitetsu Railway.

How to travel to Fukuoka Japan

If you are flying to Fukuoka, you will arrive at  Fukuoka Airport . Many domestic and international flights fly in out of the busy airport each day.

Fukuoka Kuko Airport to JR Hakata Station

• Subway on Kuko Line (orange line) – 5 minutes, ¥260 ( Check subway timetable and fares here )

If you are taking Japan Railways, you may be coming from cities east of Fukuoka like Osaka , or Tokyo, etc. or cities south of Fukuoka like Kumamoto or Kagoshima . Check Hyperdia for schedules and fares . Here are a few sample routes below.

From Osaka to Fukuoka

• JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen : from Shin-Osaka Station to JR Hakata Station – 2 hours 30 minutes, Cost: ¥15,310 (covered by Japan Rail Pass except for Nozomi and Mizuho trains)

From Kumamoto to Fukuoka

• Kyushu Shinkansen : from Kumamoto Station to JR Hakata Station – 38 minutes, ¥5,130 (covered by Japan Rail Pass except for Nozomi and Mizuho trains)

Fukuoka Attractions Map

If you are planning a trip to Kyushu and wondering what to do in Fukuoka City, then look no further! I compiled a list of the best activities in Fukuoka for solo travellers with a small budget. Whether you only have one day or a few days, pick and choose from my list of top 25 things to do in Fukuoka and create your own itinerary for your Fukuoka trip!

All the activities in Fukuoka are pinned in the interactive map above. You can find more information about each Fukuoka attraction by clicking on the individual pin.

Fukuoka Food Guide: What to eat in Fukuoka

1. eat hakata ramen aka tonkotsu ramen.

Tonkotsu ramen is the signature ramen throughout Kyushu where each region has its own twist to the traditional flavour. And in Fukuoka, the capital of Hakata ramen , the ramen features a creamy pork bone broth with thin fresh noodles.

When you visit Fukuoka, you must try the Shiromaru Classic  at Ippudo . Go the Ippudo’s original location and order a Shiromaru Classic bowl of ramen where it comes with a few slices of pork, half an egg and bamboo shoots. It costs ¥720. Or try the Akamaru Modern noodles for ¥820. The famous restaurant has many locations in Fukuoka and throughout the globe.

There are many excellent ramen restaurants throughout Fukuoka. Try one or all of them!

• Ichiran – founded in Fukuoka, there 6 locations in Fukuoka and many more locations all over Japan and overseas. If you are lucky, you don’t have to wait in a queue. Once you are at your ramen booth, order your noodles and enjoy.
• Ramen Unari – their unique “Seafood Tonkotsu” Gyokai ramen has a rich broth where it is made with both pork bones and seafood. A bowl of deliciousness costs only ¥720!
• Hakata Ramen Zen – one of the cheapest ramen in Fukuoka costs only ¥280! Get a bowl of Tonkotsu ramen at one of the 4 locations in Fukuoka.
• Ramen Stadium at Canal City Hakata – located on the top floor of the modern shopping centre, the themed food court has 8 popular ramen restaurants for you to choose from.

2. Slurp up a bowl of Fukuoka Udon

Another culinary highlight in Fukuoka is udon , a bowl of thick noodle made with local wheat flour in a mildly sweet broth. After all, udon’s birthplace is right in Hakata!

While you are in Fukuoka City, try a bowl of  Goboten udon , a bowl of udon noodles with  goboten which is a shredded bogo (burdock root that is battered and fried). You can enjoy the udon at Noko Udon  which is a local noodle shop that is affordable and opens 24 hours a day.

3. Try other unique food in Fukuoka

Trying local cuisine is one of the best things to do in Fukuoka, Japan! Besides ramen and udon, there are other foods that you can only find in Fukuoka.

• Motsunabe – a winter hot pot of beef or pork offal in a soy sauce and miso broth. You can add rice at the end to make porridge. The hot pot includes cabbage, other vegetables and chives.
• Mizutaki – Kyushu’s native jidori chicken, is cooked in a hot pot, along with green onions and vegetables. Enjoy the rich, silky broth and eat the chicken with the citrus ponzu sauce. Similar to motsunabe , the soup can be used to make porridge or noodles.
• Fresh Squid Sushi – You can find excellent sushi throughout Japan. But while you are in Fukuoka, try their sushi including ika ikizukuri which is fresh squid sushi.
• Kaisendon – a bowl of rice with raw seafood arranged on top
• Tetsunabe Gyoza – the bite-size tetsunabe (iron pan) gyoza is the best in Fukuoka. Full of flavourful meat and vegetables.
• Hakata Amaou Strawberry – when in season (from winter to spring), Fukuoka amaou strawberry is big, shiny and super sweet! It is a known fact that the Hakata region in Kyushu produces the best strawberries in Japan because of its temperate climate.
• Sake – Fukuoka is among the top 5 prefectures with the most Sake breweries.

4. Dine at a Yatai outdoor food stall along Nakasa River

With over 150 yatai’s all over Fukuoka, you will find an open-air food stall that you want to try. Each yatai serve something different, but you will find ramen, gyoza, house specials, etc. Each yatai has about 10 seats or so. They are open during the evenings and are located primarily in Tenjin , Nakasu , and Nagahama areas.

Don’t be shy if you are travelling alone or be intimidated by the language barrier, most of the yatai food stalls have English menus. And when in doubt, just look at what everyone else is eating and order what they got! Ha!

5. Try Mentaiko and other fresh seafood at Yanagibashi Rengo Market

Look for a Fukuoka specialty, mentaiko , a spicy pollock roe that is wildly popular in Fukuoka. You can sample some at Yangibashi Rengo Market , and you can even bring some home as a souvenir.

But if that’s too adventurous for you, there are other seafood and cooked food in the small local market. Like the one pictured above. Everything is deep-fried and oh-so-delicious!

Fukuoka sightseeing: best local attractions

6. visit temples and shrines in hakata old town.

Stroll through Hakata Old Town where it features many traditional temples and shrines in a historic neighbourhood in Fukuoka.

From Hakata Station, it is a short walk to  Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate , which is the entrance to Hakata’s temple and shrine area. Along the way, you will find Jotenji , Myorakuji , Shofukuji , Tochoji Temple , and Kushida Shrine . These are some of Fukuoka’s most famous temples, and they can be viewed during a self walking tour of Hakata Old Town.

And if you visit Fukuoka in July, attend one of Fukuoka’s most famous festival, the “ Hakata Gion Yamakasa ”. It is one of the best festivals in Japan where teams from seven Fukuoka neighbourhoods compete in pushing a decorated float along a 5km course throughout the city.

7. Visit ACROS Fukuoka for art and cultural events

Located next to Tenjin Central Park , the ACROS Fukuoka is the art and cultural centre of Fukuoka. There is a Fukuoka Symphony Hall with various cultural institutions inside. You can also see Fukuoka’s traditional arts and crafts, and there is an observatory deck on the roof but only open to the public on weekends and holidays.

Take a look at the exterior of the building as you leave the ACROS Fukuoka, the building is designed to look like a 15-story hanging garden.

8. See all the attractions at Momochi Seaside Park

When you travel to Fukuoka during warmer months, Momochi Seaside Park is worth visiting as it is right by the water and has a beautiful beach.

Part of the reclaimed land along Hakata Bay, the park has modern waterfront facilities along Momochihama Beach . The park was initially developed for the 1989 Asia Pacific Expo where it features futuristic buildings and scenic parks.

Fukuoka Tower , Japan’s tallest seaside tower, is nearby. The 234-metre tower has an observation deck at 123 meters and a panoramic view of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka City Museum and Fukuoka Yafuoku Dome are in the area as well.

9. Stroll through Maizuru Park and look for Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Maizuru Park is a large park just west of the centre of Fukuoka. The extensive park is built around Fukuoka Castle ruins , where it was once a castle back in the Edo Period. While the castle used to be the biggest castle on Kyushu, you will only find a few remaining walls and a few turrets.

It is one of the best places to visit in Fukuoka especially during spring when you can see cherry blossoms in full bloom.

And there are plenty of walking trails in the park and a few lookout points.

10. People watch at Ohori Park and enjoy tea ceremony at the Japanese Garden

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and hang out at Ohori Park . Walk around the park’s 2km long path around the large pond, where it used to be a moat for Fukuoka Castle. But watch out, many people run along the path including many elderly Japanese people.

But before you leave Ohori Park, look for Ohori Park Japanese Garden and see the manicured Japanese garden for ¥240.  There is a teahouse in the garden where you can participate in a traditional tea ceremony (by reservation only). Normally there is a fee for the tea ceremony but it is free of charge the first and third Tuesday of every month.

What to do in Fukuoka: museums and galleries

11. get cultured at fukuoka art museum.

Located in Ohari Park , the Fukuoka Art Museum is a modern art museum that’s over 16,000 pieces of artwork. The museum has interactive exhibits and fine art collection including artwork by Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Yayoi Kusama, and local Kyushu painters.

12. See art exhibits at Fukuoka Asian Art Museum (FAAM)

The Fukuoka Asian Art Museum (FAAM) is the only museum in the world that displays Asian modern and contemporary art. The permanent collection at FAAM includes modern and contemporary artwork from various countries in Asia. The display is changed 6 times a year with each display taking a specific theme. The entrance is free for the regular exhibit.

One of the special exhibitions includes the Fukuoka Asian Art Triennale , which is held every 3 years. It introduces the latest artwork from 21 countries in Asia, including installations, sculptures, paintings and other media.

13. Admire art and architecture at Fukuoka Prefectural Art Museum

Located in Tenjin, the Fukuoka Prefectural Art Museum has work by artists connected to Fukuoka City including artwork by Harue Koga , a Japanese surrealist avant-garde painter.

While the exhibits are interesting, the interior and architecture of the building are quite marvellous as well. The building is designed by Takeo Satou , a modernist architect. The exterior has a modern, and functional feel, whereas the interior, has voluminous spaces created by structural elements.

14. Learn about Hakata’s merchant history at Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan (Folk Museum)

The Hakata Machiya Folk Museum is a museum that recreated lifestyle and culture of Hakata’s merchants around the Meiji and Taisho Periods. The entire museum spans over 3 traditional houses in a cultural heritage site.

Inside the museum, displays feature traditional handicrafts like Hakata dolls, Hakata textiles, Hakata tiger figurines and other traditional arts and crafts.

Don’t leave without paying a visit to the souvenir shop as you may want to pick up a unique gift for friends back home.

Things to do in Fukuoka: shopping edition

15. visit kyushu’s busiest train station: jr hakata city.

If you travel to Fukuoka by train, you will arrive at Hakata Station, which is part of JR Hakata City . It is the largest train station in Kyushu as it is the main hub for train travel between Kyushu and the rest of mainland Japan. It is Kyushu’s busiest train station.

JR Hakata City is not only a train station, but has 2 department stores, over 230 retail stores and restaurants, and a cinema complex. There is even a rooftop observatory space that allows you to see a panoramic view of Fukuoka.

16. Shop at the traditional Kawabata Shopping Arcade

Many Japanese cities have the old style covered shopping street called shotengai and Fukuoka has a few.

Kawabata Shopping Arcade is most popular one and the oldest one in Fukuoka. It has over 130 retails shops where over 50 of them are mom-and-pop stores selling clothing, food and household items. The 400-metre covered arcade has a community feel to it.  

17. Buy traditional crafts and local sweets at a souvenir shop

Food is the best souvenir! Buy some  Hiyoko cakes , which are small chicken-shaped cakes with sweet bean paste inside. You can get them almost everywhere in Fukuoka including the local souvenir shops in Kawabata Shopping Arcade , and department stores at JR Hakata City .

18. Shop and watch the dancing water fountain show at Canal City Hakata

Canal City Hakata is another modern building adding to the skyline of Fukuoka City. It has many chic boutiques, department stores, movie theatres, and an amusement arcade.

While there are many restaurants throughout the shopping complex, try a bowl of Hakata Ramen on the top floor at Ramen Stadium  (as mentioned in #1 of top things to do in Fukuoka).

And most of all, don’t miss the 180-metre long artificial canal that crisscrosses the buildings. And the dancing water fountain shows (from 10 am to 10 pm) are quite magical.

19. Get lost in Tenjin Chikagai (underground shopping mall) maze

There are over 150 shops and restaurants in the Tenjin Chikagai underground shopping mall, making it the largest underground shopping centre in Kyushu. Over 590 metre of corridors connects all the retail stores, department stores and major buildings in the Tenjin area. There is a lots to see and it is easy to get lost in the maze! But don’t worry, there are many English signages.

Fukuoka: things to do outside of the city

20. see dazaifu tenmangu shrine in dazaifu.

If you can spare a day from your Fukuoka trip, then you must visit Dazaifu as it is one of the best day trips from Fukuoka. Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine , which has the deity of education, Kyushu National Museum , and the ultra-modern Starbucks . And while you are there, you have to try umegae mochi rice cake , a local sweet dumpling filled with red bean paste.

How to get there: Take the Nishitetsu Railway from Tenjin Station to Dazaifu Station . The train journey is only 30 minutes. When you leave Dazaifu Station, follow the signs, and they will lead you to all the attractions.

21. Visit Sakurai Futamigaura or “couple rock” at Itoshima Peninsula

If you fancy a day trip from Fukuoka and want to see beaches of northern Kyushu, then you must visit Itoshima Peninsula .

Sitting at Futamigaura Beach , Sakurai Futamigaura  or known as “couple rock” is joined together by a shimenawa rope. And in the foreground, there is a giant white torii gate in the turquoise water. Together, they are called the Sakurai Futamigaura of Meotoiwa.

Many travellers visit Itoshima to see the “couple rock” and other beaches along the peninsula. And the sunset there is quite magical.

How to get there: From Hakata Station , take the Kuko subway line (orange line) to Itoshima Station . The train journey takes 40 minutes. Then take a taxi to the beach. Or you can take a taxi or drive from Fukuoka which takes about 30 minutes.

22. Cruise down the picturesque Yanagawa River

Experience Yanagawa , a quaint town with an old castle, Yanagawa Castle , where moats were built around the town to keep the enemies out.

The river cruise takes place in small boats where you will cruise around the moats. The entire river cruise is about 3km long and takes about 70 minutes. During the boat ride, you will see many famous sites and ancient ruins. And if it is during spring, you might even see cherry blossom.

How to get there: Take the Nishitetsu train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station on Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line . The journey costs ¥80 and takes 50 minutes.

23. Visit Nokonoshima Island

Spend a glorious day on Nokonoshima Island ! Nokonoshima Island Park is on the small island in Hakata Bay where the park has beautiful flowers all year round. See different flowers in full bloom such as Scarlet Sage (August to December), Bougainvillea (July to November), Cockspur Coral Tree (September) and Cosmos (early to mid-October).

How to get there: From Meinohama Ferry Passenger Terminal in Fukuoka, the ferry ride is only 10 minutes to Nokonoshima Island.

24. Soak in the onsen of Takeo in Saga

Soak in the onsen (hot springs) of Takeo for as little as ¥400! The ancient hot springs date back 1500 years, and the hot alkaline water is excellent for travel fatigue, muscle pain and simply relaxing.

When you are in Takeo, look for the Takeo-Onsen Tower , a two-storied gate, which is also the entrance to the public hot springs.

How to get there: Take a direct train from Hakata Station to Takeo-Onsen Station on Midori-Huis Ten Bosch Line . The trip costs about ¥3,100 and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then walk 12 minutes to Takeo Onsen Tower and find the onsen entrance.

25. Take a hydrofoil ferry from Fukuoka to Busan, South Korea

If you are planning on visiting South Korea during your Fukuoka trip, you can take a hydrofoil ferry from Fukuoka to Busan, South Korea.

Ferries are operated by JR Kyushu Beetle Ferry (3-hour trip) and Camellia Line (5.5-hour trip), and there are over 23 ferries per week going to Busan, South Korea. The journey can be smooth or choppy depending on the weather. The ferry cost fluctuates, but you can check and purchase tickets here .

Where to stay in Fukuoka as a solo traveller

Because there are many places to visit in Fukuoka, staying in a central location is important. Luckily for solo travellers, there are many excellent accommodations plus they are inexpensive.

During my time in Fukuoka, I stayed at several backpacker hostels, and mid-range hotels and they were all excellent in their own ways. They are all near JR Hakata Station and Chuo area of Fukuoka .

Take a look at my suggestions below and find the exact location on the interactive map by following the yellow pins.

• Check prices & reviews: Agoda

Overview for Fukuoka: things to do for solo travellers

Fukuoka is one of those cities where you can spend many days enjoying the city and eating a ton of good food. That is exactly what I did when I visited Fukuoka as a solo traveller.

Between all the excellent local food and all the things to see in Fukuoka, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Fukuoka City and I hope you will too. I also put together a 10 day Kyushu itinerary , including all the best cities on the island and an itinerary for spending 3 days in Fukuoka.

Let me know in the comments which Fukuoka attractions you are planning on seeing or if I missed any in my Fukuoka travel blog.

Thank you for reading my Fukuoka city guide

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:

Introduction to Japan

• Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
• Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
• 11 Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
• Japanese Food Culture: 11 must-try food
• One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Kyushu region

• 10-day Kyushu Island itinerary
• Day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka
• Kumamoto City in one day
• Day trip to Mount Aso from Kumamoto
• 11 Top things to do in Kagoshima Japan
• 1-5 day Okinawa itinerary without a car
• Where to stay in Naha Okinawa: 6 boutique hotels
• Okinawa food guide: 26 best food

Like this post? Pin it on your Pinterest board!

queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Where to Stay in Naha: 6 Boutique Hotels in Naha Okinawa (with Honest Reviews)

Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route: Experience Japan’s Best Bike Route in One Day

Onomichi Travel Guide: 13 Top Things to Do in Onomichi Japan as a Solo Traveller

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

3 Best Night Markets in Kaohsiung Taiwan

Ma on shan hike to sai kung via tiu shau ngam, the hunch backs and pyramid hill in ma on shan country park, ms travel solo.

Fukuoka (����) is Kyushu 's largest and one of Japan's ten most populated cities . Because of its closeness to the Asian mainland (closer to Seoul than to Tokyo ), Fukuoka has been an important harbor city for many centuries and was chosen by the Mongol invasion forces as their landing point in the 13th century .

Today's Fukuoka is the product of the fusion of two cities in the year 1889 , when the port city of Hakata and the former castle town of Fukuoka were merged into one city called Fukuoka. Hakata remains the name of one of Fukuoka's central districts and of the main railway station.

Top attractions in Fukuoka

Gion Yamakasa ••

Yatai (Food Stalls)

Uminonakamichi Park •

Shofukuji Temple

Momochi Seaside Park

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Dazaifu •

Munakata Taisha

Fukuoka by interest

Getting there and around

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Fukuoka city, hotels around fukuoka.

Fukuoka Travel Guide: Itinerary, Places to Stay, Things to Do, and more

The ultimate fukuoka travel guide for first-time visitors.

•   shares
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Fukuoka, Japan

Table of Contents

There’s never a dull time when in Japan. From modern Tokyo to its faraway prefectures, you’ll find yourself in awe of all the exciting places and things to see in this country.

If you think you’ve explored all the things Tokyo has to offer, it’s time for you to discover the lesser-known regions of Japan. All eyes are now in Fukuoka, a city situated in Kyushu, where you can immerse in its rich heritage and enjoy its gourmet offerings like a true local.

In this Fukuoka Travel Guide Blog, we listed some tips on how you can do your own DIY Day trip to Fukuoka, Japan. We also included a sample Fukuoka Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there and more.

How to Get Here

From manila.

You can travel to Fukuoka directly from Manila via Cebu Pacific . Travel time usually takes 3 and ½ hours.

From Tokyo by Air

There are multiple flights available departing from both Tokyo Haneda and Narita Airport. You can book your flights with JAL, ANA, Starflyer, Skymark, Peach and Jetstar Japan. Flight duration is about one hour and 50 minutes.

From Tokyo by Bus

Nishitetsu offers a daily bus schedule between Fukuoka and Tokyo. The terminal is located at Shinjuku Bus Terminal just above JR Shinjuku Station. The one-way trip takes about 14.5 hours and the rate depends on the type of seat and season of travel.

Best Time To Visit

If you plan to go to Fukuoka anytime soon, you’re lucky as it’s one of the few places that you can enjoy whatever season you plan to go to. But if you want to visit here on a particular season, here’s a quick guide for you:

Do you want to enjoy the snow and see Fukuoka transform into a Winter Wonderland? Visit Fukuoka from December to February. Many tourists go here for the holidays, so expect more tourists than usual. Bring warm clothes to make yourself comfortable during your stay.

Spring is one of the best times to visit Japan, mainly because it’s also the cherry blossom season. Fukuoka magically turns into various hues of pink with its Sakura trees in its full bloom. It’s the tourists’ favorite season, so expect huge crowds flocking to its parks. To experience cherry blossom viewing, plan your visit from March to April.

If you wish to visit Fukuoka to see its autumn foliage, best to go there from September to November. There are lots of natural attractions to see during autumn, too.

Summer in Japan can get very hot and humid but don’t worry, there are still plenty of exciting things to do here. Summer in Japan starts from March to May.

Getting Around

There are lots of transportation options in Fukuoka. They have buses, trains, subway, and the JR line, which are cheaper options if you want to explore the city like a true local. You can also take the taxi, which can be convenient if you plan to go there in groups.

Recommended Fukuoka Tour Packages

Yanagawa and tosu premium outlets day trip from fukuoka.

There’s no other city like Fukuoka. It’s clean and rich with natural beauty. We suggest you book this tour and cruise along the Yanagawa River, stroll around its historical places, shop at Tosu Premium Outlets, and indulge an unagi afterwards. This tour is inclusive of lunch and snacks, guide, admission fees, and transportation.

Book this tour

Fukuoka Kimono Rental

Alongside the exciting cruise, we suggest you also book this Fukuoka Kimono Rental where you can choose various accessories and designs to pair it with. You can take pictures and walk around Tojogi Temple and Meiji Parl to cap off the experience.

Rent a Kimono

Learn the Language

Not a lot of Japanese speak and understand English fluently, so it would be helpful for you to learn their language—it’s additional learning for you too! Here are some useful phrases to help you communicate with the Japanese better.

Konnichiwa: Hello Ohayou Gozaimasu: Good Morning Konbanwa: Good Evening Kudasai: Please Arigatou Gozaimasu: Thank you Yes: Hai No: iie Ikura desu ka?: How much is this?

Where to Stay in Fukuoka

More than the exciting destinations to discover in Fukuoka, you should also check out these top accommodations for convenient wandering in the city.

Hotel Nikko Fukuoka

Address: 2-18-25 Hakata Eki-mae Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

Check Rates and Availability

This 5-star hotel is one of the best options if you want a comfortable and luxurious stay. Boasting well-furnished rooms with complete with everything you need from toiletries, coffee-making facilities, and toiletries too. It’s located in the city center five minutes away from Fukuoka Airport. They also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet at their Serena Café Restaurant.

Dormy Inn Premium Hakata Canal City Mae Natural Hot Spring

Address: 9-1 Gion-machi, Fukuoka, Japan

Situated near the city attractions, this hotel is a convenient option for those who want to be near shopping areas, restaurants, and sightseeing spots in the city. The hotel features public hot spring baths, a sauna, and a restaurant. All their rooms furnished with an LCD TV with satellite channels, a refrigerator, and tea making facilities. Nightwear and slippers are provided. It’s also near Canal City, and you’ll find lots of tourist spots near this accommodation.

The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka

Address: 2-14-15 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

This stylish hotel is located just five minutes away from JR Hakata Train Station. The hotel also has its own restaurants, massage services, and currency exchange. They take pride in their Octa Hotel Cafe”, a restaurant brand popular with women in Fukuoka because of its concept of casual French dishes using ingredients from the local Kyushu region.

Also read: Best Hotels in Fukuoka, Japan

Where to Eat in Fukuoka

Nakasu street stalls.

At night, Fukuoka is just as beautiful as it is during the daytime. Planning to go out with friends? Got to Nakasu and enjoy a variety of local food such as ramen, tempura, and yakitori. Pair these with booze and enjoy shopping in this most happening area in town.

Address: 5-3-2 Nakasu, Hakata, Fukuoka 810-0801, Fukuoka Prefecture

Tonkontsu Ramen, anyone? If you’ve seen the long lines of Ichiran’s branch in Tokyo, then you’ve got to go where it originated. Since 1993, Ichiran has been the go-to ramen place of both tourists and locals alike because of its delicious ramen offerings—genuinely deserving to be known as one of the world’s best dishes.

Address: 1 Chome-4-23 Imaizumi, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0021, Japan

Seafood is truly a must-try when in Japan. Craving for some? Have a taste of their fresh, abundant seafood when in Fish Man izakaya. Try their mouthwatering dishes from donburi (rice bowls), tempura, and meat and veg dishes. Sushi, sashimi, and other fish dishes are also a must-try!

Address: 11-8 Kamikawabatamachi Hakata-ku Fukuoka

Dining in a group? One of the recommended dishes to try in Fukuoka is their barbecue beef. Try yakiniku and taste their flavorful grilled meats for a sumptuous meal. You won’t regret capping off your tiresome day in here

Canal City Hakata (Ramen Stadium)

Winter or not, this place has been famous for their Hakata-style ramen. But contrary to the name, the ramen house is not really inside a stadium, but rather located in a food court on the fifth floor of Canal City’s Cinema Building – one of the most popular entertainment hubs in the city. Not to mention, there are over eight famous ramen stalls that serve different ramen styles from across Japan.

Things to Do and See in Fukuoka

Fukuoka castle.

An Instagram-worthy place I must say. Your Fukuoka trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the ever-famous Fukuoka Castle located at Maizuru Park where you can learn its impressive history. You can still see the ruined walls and a few turrets remain, and wander around through a tunnel of flowers. The castle ruins is 10-15 minute walk from Ohori Koen Subway Station.

Kyushu National Museum

Art lovers will surely love touring inside Japan’s first new national museum in 100 years. Here, you’ll see important cultural artifacts, national treasures, and documents that speak a lot about Fukuoka’s rich heritage.

For those who love the outdoors, Ohori Park is the destination to be. It’s a serene park where you can admire Fukuoka’s beautiful landscape, especially during autumn or spring. It’s got a large pond at the center, and a walking path perfect for walking dogs and jogging. According to history, it has once served as part of the moat system of the neighboring Fukuoka Castle.

Nokonoshima Island

Dress in a kimono and pose a la pro when you visit the scenic island of Nokonoshima, where colorful flowers bloom all-year-round. From October to November, see it turn into a pink paradise of cosmos.

Kushida Shrine

See various festival floats and pray for eternal youth at this shrine in Fukuoka called Kushida shrine. If you to take a quick break from your itinerary, pay your respects in this shrine, located 8 minutes away from Canal City.

Also Read: Best Things to do in Fukuoka

Where to Shop in Fukuoka

Canal city hakata.

Broadway shows are pretty much a thing here at the Canal City. It’s Fukuoka’s largest shopping complex where you’ll find hotels, movie theater, amusement centers, and the famous Ramen Stadium. Plus! Shopping here is free of tax!

Business Hours:

• Retail Stores: 10:00am to 9:00pm
• Restaurant and Cafes: 11:00am to 11:00pm

Marinoa City

This all-in-one destination has more than a hundred shops and restaurants to visit. It also houses its own Ferris wheel, and its seaside location makes it for a great attraction to include in your itinerary.

Tenjin Chikagai

This underground passageway has a very unique ambiance. Did you know that there are a total of here are 12 avenues with 150 various shops of fashion, gourmet, books and more? You can also check out different department stores for your shopping spree. Hungry? They have restaurants here, as well.

Currency Exchange

In the Tenjin area and JR Hakata station, some banks are authorized to do currency exchange. Some convenience stores accept international debit cards, as well. Japan bills come in denominations of 1,000 yen, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000. Their coins come in 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500 yen. Most stores accept cash, but some accept credit and debit cards, as well.

Tips and Guides

• Try to use their public transportation to save money instead of taking a cab.
• Check the weather update regularly so you can plan your attire for the day.
• Always bring cash, as some shops do not accept cards as a mode of payment.
• Show respect to their local culture, especially when visiting shrines.
• Tipping in restaurants is not allowed, as your bill comes in with a service charge already.

Searching for the best hotels and affordable flights? Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via  Agoda  or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about Fukuoka, Japan? Please follow #TeamOutofTown,  on  Facebook , and  Twitter ,  Instagram , and  Pinterest  for more travel ideas.

Disclosure:  This Fukuoka, Saga and Nagasaki Familiarization trip was made possible by  Cebu Pacific  and  Strategic Works, Inc . 

Other Japan Related Stories:

• Best Things to do in Fukuoka
• Best Things to do in Kyoto
• Summer in Japan: Where to Go, What to Do and What to Buy
• Best Hotels in Tokyo, Japan
• Best Hotels in Takayama, Japan
• Best Things to do in Tokyo
• Best Hotels and Resorts in Osaka
• Top Best Places to Visit in Japan
• Best Hotels and Resorts in Kyoto, Japan
• Sapporo Travel Guide
• Best Hotels in Sapporo, Japan
•   Nagasaki Travel Guide

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

What do you think?

Top 5 Shopping Malls in Cebu City

Send a Digital Aguinaldo with PayMaya this Christmas

© 2024 by Team Out of Town

With social network:

Or with username:.

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Privacy policy.

To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Sengkang Babies

Our kids bring you Fun !

Tag: fukuoka travel vlog

8d7n kyushu itinerary 九州.

Our 8D7N Kyushu itinerary was the most challenging diy tour which I had planned thus far. We covered Northern Kyushu in 8D7N, which was barely enough. You will need two weeks to cover the whole of Kyushu.

*I can only add selection of photos in this blog. All our Kyushu photos have been uploaded to Facebook, links at the end of this post.

This trip was meant as a Dad Son bonding trip. No2 Boon Kang is going to enlist very soon. Last minute planning, and we shortlisted Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka/Kyoto and Kyushu.

Kyushu did not disappoint.

The no1 challenge for me was public transport planning. Trains, trams and buses in the big cities were easy and predictable. But countryside buses frequency can be every 45 to 60 minutes. Miss one bus and there goes your “ideal” itinerary :p

In addition point A to B might only be 30km, but it can take up to 2 hours ( including bus waiting time). Fortunately, we engaged a private tour on Day two Mount Aso, otherwise much time would be wasted on transport.

Refer to Google Map below for our 8D7N Kyushu Itinerary , clockwise direction. Public transport all the way, except day 2 Mount Aso private tour.

In summary.

1) On average, this is our Japan expenses average (not including hotels, airfare, and day Two private tour). All in, we spent about SGD 2500 for our 8D7N Kyushu itinerary.

-Average daily 15,000 Yen for two pax three meals and misc (not including JR pass) -If add JR Pass (Kyushu North 5 days), our average daily would be 18,000 Yen – 40 to 45% overall expenses on F&B -15 to 20% overall spent on transport -Balance on souvenirs, attractions entry tickets etc -About 60% of my expenses were clocked on Youtrip card -Did a 90,000 Yen withdrawal from Youtrip too

2)Accomodations -2 nights Kumamoto (x1 near Mount Aso, x1 Downtown) -2 nights Nagasaki -3 nights Fukuoka

In hindsight, I would have opted for an extra night at Beppu or Oita and reduced Fukuoka to two nights.

3) Transport Train and Bus for 90% of the itinerary. We booked a private tour of Mount Aso (Kumamoto).

My best experiences were around Mount Aso’s volcano landscapes. Cauldron and valleys, active volcanoes and lush pastures, dotted with horses and cows.

The second best experience could be Nagasaki Atomic Museum and Peace Park or Nagasaki Bio Park. Both are memorable for different reasons.

The cute Amaterasu Railway stole our hearts and let us relive our childhoods.

4)no1 tip for First timers in Japan :p

Automatic bidet is soothing. But first timers might stress about which button (flow) to activate…

Day 1 Arrival at Fukuoka

We took a 20 minutes shuttle from International to Domestic airport. Subway will bring us to Hakata station (Heart of Fukuoka).

You will not go wrong with accommodations near Hakata or Tenjin stations. Amenities, shopping, F&B are clustered around these two stations.

Hakata and Tenjin stations are themselves multi-storey transport and lifestyle hubs. You might get lost in the shopping “maze”. There are plenty of food and supermarket options.

5) First order of the day was to pickup our JR Pass.

(JR stands for Japan Rail) You may have to queue up to 30, 60 minutes to exchange your JR pass.

You can indicate activation date at the point of collection. Example, we got a 5 day Northern Kyushu pass from Klook. Once activated, the countdown will start. Even though we only use the pass for three days, it was still worthwhile for us.

Tips. Klook or KKDay JR pass might be cheaper than Japan direct. But you can only do “online seat reservation” if you buy JR pass direct from Japan e-shops. We always reserve our seats at the train stations (which might incur additional fees).

You may use JR Pass calculator to check whether JR Pass would be optimised for your trip. )Useful for budgeting purpose too)

Plenty of Train adventures await in Kyushu!

Below is iconic blue “Sonic”, which can bring you to Beppu and Oita.

*Train lovers should visit our Enoden experience at Kamakura.

Train to Beppu (Oita)

Original plan was to visit a few Hot springs (Hells), ropeway or maybe even Yufuin . I underestimated public transport options in Beppu.

Public buses come every 45 to 60 minutes. This is not my first trip to Japan, yet I am always paranoid about taking the wrong bus!

We only know later there is a Beppu Tourist bus ( Kamenoi ) which will bring you to nearby attractions. We had to skip the ropeway (to see snow) as fog forecast had reduced visibility at the summit to zero.

6) master Google Map and public transport options

I underestimated public transport coverage in Kyushu. You can plan 95% of transport on rail, but last 5% on bus will give you a shock!

Imagine. Train services are very accurate and available every 10, 30 minutes(for example). But bus frequency can be every 60 minutes!

Google Maps works for most big cities. But Google Maps failed us when we needed bus advice in Beppu and Kumamoto countryside.

Refer to screenshot below, the “ modified schedule ” could not predict or advise bus services for us. This is most stressful when you are rushing with two pieces of luggage.

This is why we recommend “ Japan Official Travel App ” for our friends and those who wish to diy their itinerary.

*Updated 2023Dec – Japan Official Travel App has retired. Use Navitime instead

More precise train and bus inter-connectivity. You can even filter trains and buses by your JR-pass. We could easily estimate our transport fees (and more importantly routes) in advance.

Trains are never late. Eg below. If 0707 (am) Oita, this means the train will leave 0707 on the Spot , you better arrive 10 minutes earlier.

7)Sugoca card for Kyushu

JR Pass might cover the train mileage between prefectures. Sugoca card (also known as suica in other prefectures) will let you tap in and out of non JR trains, buses and trams. (You do not need to queue and buy your ticket everytime, or find the change or coins).

Every prefecture and city you go, download the transit maps and try to digest them. They will help you identify your most efficient routes.

8)When trains and buses do not suit your transfers, Taxis might be the only option left.

We faced this issue in Kumamoto when we wanted to transfer from hotel to Ferry Terminal. There were no trains, buses frequency was every 60 minutes.

We ended up taking a direct taxi from the hotel, cost about 3000 Yen.

*There was a free shuttle bus from city to Ferry, but we gave up after trying to get help from Ferry and hotel reception (too much risks, and miscommunications)

**Those who have tried taking public buses before might understand the stress factor.  Same “numbered” buses can appear, but leading to different venues. Buses timings are not as accurate as trains. We had to double confirm the bus and destination with the bus drivers! (who speaks limited English)

8a)By the way, Didi and Uber apps only work in bigger cities (Nagasaki and Fukuoka).

day 1 evening – Mt Aso vicinity

Back to our itinerary. After 2 hour train ride, we reached Aso Station before 7pm. Waited for hotel pickup.

Took a photo of Usopp . You may be keen to find all 8 pieces in Kumamoto . I read somewhere that OnePiece creator wanted to create solidarity with Kumamoto after the earthquake.

Aso Plaza Hotel for one night. We chose this hotel because you can see Mt Aso mountain range from the pool! Unfortunately, the onsen pool is not so fantastic.

By the way, this is Boon Kang’s first onsen experience.

Onsen and Ryokan worshippers must visit Kurokawa Onsen town . Some say this is the best Onsen experience in Kyushu. Take note rooms sold out fast and one night can easily cost $SGD 300+

Day 2 Mount Aso 阿蘇山

The best highlights of our 8D7N Kyushu are from Mount Aso. Self drive is highly recommended, as the attractions are spread all over. No trains here, only buses, and frequency can be every 45 minutes.

(Kumamoto 熊本 has two main parts, near Mount Aso and Kumamoto downtown).

I had initially wanted to take public transport for Mount Aso attractions, but gave up. Bad idea if you have time constrains. Too tough to plan the “connecting train/bus”, and little room for mistakes.

We decided to engage agency Explore Kumamoto for a full day private trip. You will see their name when you google Kyushu attractions and tours. Helen (our guide) was friendly and highly knowledgeable.

Google Map below help me to plot our interests (Daikanbo, Kusasenri 草千里ケ浜, Takachiho Gorge, Amaterasu Railway)

Day 2 was a cool winter 12 degrees instead of 8 degrees, making our walks very comfortable. From the top of Daikanbo , we look down at the valley below.

Imagine. We are on ground level. Previous volcanoes activities have sunken the grounds infront of us!

We all know Japanese are friendly. I saw this mini Honda S2000 (look alike) and requested permission to take a photo. The driver exited the car and gestured me to go ahead!

So embarrassing and I kept nodding and “Konichiwa and Arigato” to him.

Kumamoto is famous for horse and cow sashimi! We opt out 🙂 But we did try fried horse croquette at a famous store ( Aso Torimiya ).

My own opinion. So so, I might have enjoyed my potato croquette more :p

The highlight of our tours are always about volcanoes and cauldrons. 17 volcanos to be exact! Including the mini volcano ( Komezuka ) in photo below.

The few photos of Kyushu Mount Aso attractions (in this post) do not do justice to the beautiful sceneries. Click on links (end of page) for the photo albums of each day.

Everyone knows about mystical Takachiho Gorge, but I felt Amaterasu Railway experience was better! (These two attractions are near to each other.)

You can smell Ramen extract during the ride. Relive your childhood memories, take more photos of valleys and old mining tracks.

(Trains only run 8 or 10 trips per day, 30 minutes to and fro)

You will see more of Mount Aso and nearby attractions on our YouTube clip .

Next, we headed to the famous Takachiho Gorge . Take more photos, the waterfall and the natural wall sculptured by years of seismic activities.

During peak periods, car park space will be limited. You might even need to book your boats in advance. Take note rowing experience will set you back by 4100 Yen or 5100 Yen (about SGD 50 per boat).

I would prefer to spend the money on food.

We noticed many “stickers” on these mini shrines. It seems like Japanese folks will paste their stickers to indicate the shrines/shintos they have visited in Japan. (quest)

Tips. For waterfall fans, you can try these three spots in Kumamoto. Easy to drive there but tough to reach with public transport. ( Nabegataki Falls, Koga Falls and Harajiri Falls )

We bid Zoro (OnePiece) and Mount Aso farewell.

Kumamoto is famous for their Garlic Ramen. We love Kokutei 黒亭 !

Kumamon home town is in Kumamoto, and this bear is promoting Japanese tourism. There is a Kumamon museum (Square) too!

Day 3 Kumamoto city

Stayed one night at The New hotel, Kumamoto . We have a short morning to explore Kumamoto city.

Trams are the main transport option for the city. Nostalgia for tourists.

We walked around Kumamoto Castle (above photo), and noticed that many sections had crumbled during the 2016 earthquake.

Rebuilding is literally piece by piece and will take decades to complete. Gosh, the walls are high!

While researching for Kumamoto, I was impressed with citizen’s resilience post earthquake. Video below was taken a day after the earthquake!

You can also admire Kumamoto Castle’s splendor from the 14th floor of Kumamoto City Hall (free entrance).

If time permits, I would have explored more of Kumamoto city, especially Suizenji park . But more things await across at Shimabara.

If time permits, tourists would normally stay near the castle. Tip, you can visit two more OnePiece statues nearby, Monkey D. Luffy and Chopper . ( Google Map walking directions )

9)Onwards to Shimabara (Nagasaki). By Ferry

Took a cab to catch our ferry (no trains and infrequent buses). 30 minutes ferry is the fastest way to reach Nagasaki Shimabara .

(Ferry schedules and ticket details here .)

If you only plan to visit Nagasaki downtown, you might consider taking train and loop North (about 3hr train ride )

10)Two cute attractions at Shimabara.

Carps are swimming along some of the drains! Water must be so clear and clean. Shimabara area is a small suburb and we enjoyed exploring the neighbourhood. (More attractions listed on Google Map )

From Shimabara, we travel 1hr 45 minutes North then West towards Nagasaki station. If time permits, you might wish to grab a photo at a sea-facing station at “ Omisaki Station “.

Day 3 evening – Our first capsule stay at Nagasaki downtown. First & Business Class (capsules) for two nights.

First Cabin Nagasaki . This is an upsized capsule hotel. You get a bit more headroom but width is the same. If you book online directly, you can choose “First Class” for more space.

Photo below, Kang got a normal “Business Class”. He does not look impressed.

Capsules are different from hostels. In Japan, guests are not supposed to make any noises inside the capsules or corridors. (What about alarms or snores?)

11)Let us talk about Food options and pricing in Japan

Most affordable food (and still delicious) are bentos and options from convenience stores. (7-11, FamilyMart, Lawson etc)

Craving for McDonald’s? 700 to 1000 Yen for a meal. In previous posts, I always mention that you should try pork burgers overseas 🙂

Cafes or restaurant meals (and cafes) will cost 1000 to 2000 Yen.

I love the quaint and friendly cafes in Japan. The staff and bosses are mostly friendly and accommodating (even when they are not proficient in English).

(photo below from cafe’平井 )

Wagyu beef 4000++ Yen ( Yakiniku pure )

Unagi 3000 to 5000 Yen. ( 魚荘 )

Those visiting Fukuoka can try Yatai cuisine (street food). Tiny stores, packed with customers and yummy food. Take note it is not street food price, each meal can easily cost 2000++ Yen (not including liquor).

Day 4 Nagasaki city tour

I actually prefer Nagasaki to Fukuoka. It is not your usual traditional Japanese city. But you can definitely feel the lively vibes within the city.

In fact Nagasaki was one of the first cities to open to the world (trade and culture exchange through Meiji and Edo period).

I just cannot pinpoint why I prefer Nagasaki to Fukuoka. (Try to find the heart shaped stone at Spectacles Bridge).

Those in Japan will notice these cute K cars zipping around. Maybe it is a lifestyle option, or perhaps Japan families have shrinked.

Each K car is worth 1,000,000 Yen about SGD 10,000) (Still not enough to cover SG COE, so sad)

You will hear Pork belly buns and Castella cakes are famous in Nagasaki. You can find Castella cake in most Kyushu souvenir shops too. (we got it from Fukusaya Main Store )

Coming from Singapore (or Malaysia), the pork belly is meh ( overated). Our 扣肉包 (kong4 bak4 bao1) is more juicy and fatty. Castella cake is like butter cake, but fluffier.

Our second onsen at Fuku no yu (稲佐山温泉 ). Imagine soaking and enjoying a night city view as you soak. (but the glass panel always mist up.)

Free shuttle buses are available to pick you up the hill.

Our Nagasaki photos are on our Facebook albums. Refer to the links at end of blog post.

Day 5 Atomic Museum and Peace Park(rated 4.5/5)

We stayed two nights in Nagasaki. On the last day, we covered Atomic Museum and Nagasaki Bio Park.

You can see how we travel North from Nagasaki towards Bio Park, Saga and towards Fukuoka on our Google Map link .

Peace statue. Conveying Nagasaki and Japan’s wish for Peace (and nuclear free) world. Those who study history would know Hiroshima was bombed, before Nagasaki.

The museum at Hiroshima is more crowded, but people who have been to both museums prefer Nagasaki museum’s intimate touch points.

You will see doves (symbolising peace) everywhere.

The valley of old Nagasaki where the bomb wrecked devastation. Everything within was flatted.

Replica (and cross section) of the Atomic bomb which fell on Nagasaki.

Visitors will see photos and documentation of devastation across the city.

I remembered one before/after photo of Nagasaki city. The landscape was flattened after the bomb.

The stories of lost and torn families moved me to tears. Poems of remaining families…..

Day 5 Nagasaki Bio Park(rated 5/5)

Super adorable capybaras! They really enjoy their onsen, and they have a  personalised heater too! (YouTube video link and Facebook photos )

Guests can feed the always-hungry capybaras. Each feed costs 500 Yen.

After Nagasaki Bio Park, we headed towards Fukuoka for our last stop (city).

12)For those who drives, refer below Google Map for attractions in Saga, Kurume and Yanagawa (boating and best Unagi).

I would strongly recommend Yūtoku Inari Shrine . This is one of the most iconic shintos in Japan. Refer our Google Map for more details.

*13) I would strongly recommend fruit picking near Kurume and Yanagawa. This Fruits picking link shares farms and fruits availability based on seasons.

Day 6 Fukuoka

Fukuoka 福岡 for 3 nights.

After checkin in, we walked to the famous Ichiran building . No queues outside, but expect the queues to go up to 4th or 5th storey inside!

Please pay and queue 45 mins for the Ramen.

Bought some Donki souvenirs. Some Donki branches are open 24 hours.

Compared to the other prefectures, Fukuoka exudes sophistication and offers plenty of shopping and experiences. Imagine, all the best food of Kyushu can be found in Fukuoka

day 7 Fukuoka breakfast

Our hotel is famous for their breakfast. You will see from the photos below. We enjoyed superb hospitality at the hotel too. Super friendly staff and a 7×24 complimentary pantry!

Complimentary Coffee or chocolate after a cold walk is always appreciated.

Simple yet elegant fare from our hotel. Using fresh produce from Fukuoka, you can try to follow the template for the perfect “plating”.

I enjoyed my breakfast, even though I could not understand most of the ingredients. Thank you.

On day 1, we landed in Fukuoka and went clockwise to Beppu, Mount Aso, Kumamoto, Shimabara, Nagasaki and back to Fukuoka (3 nights).

Many take day trips from Fukuoka to Beppu or Mount Aso. Kagoshima is 1hr 45 minutes by Shinkansen. Airport is only 15 minutes + away from Hakata station.

You would notice there are many Koreans in Fukuoka! Busan is only 3 hours away by boat.

Day 7 DazaIfu

Woke up early and headed to Dazaifu (太宰府). There are too many Guan Yin and Buddha places of worship in Fukuoka. I chose Dazaifu as it was the most popular, and there is an interesting street food. (you might prefer the sleeping Buddha Nanzoin )

The old trees(centuries old) and red bridges are also attractive and instagramable.

Do take a 10 minutes detour to visit the glass facade of Kyushu National Museum . Love the green hilly reflections.

You can spot more Dazaifu and Fukuoka photos in our Facebook albums ( here and here ).

Day 8 Fukuoka food food food shop shop

Fukuoka is the capital city of Kyushu. So naturally, every prefecture’s famous dishes are also represented in the city.

They even designate a whole fifth floor on Canal City Hakata for Ramen stores!

14)You would notice that every Fukuoka itinerary will have a Canal City stopover.

Photo above is from Umaya (Canal City). Below Sushi train is from  Kura Sushi ( くら寿司 博多中洲店 ).

More cafes hopping. Muji 無印良品 was a surprise treat.

Google Yatai and you will see concentration along Nakasu(5 minutes walk from Canal City) and Tenjin station.

I have only listed 50% of our Fukuoka food hunt, everything else is in our Facebook albums 🙂

Below Gundam photo was from their regular fountain feature show.

Fukuoka sightseeing led me to the most happening manga and cosplay shop at MANDARAKE . Three storeys of toys, comics and weird costumes (LGBT too).

Japanese are very accustomed to all queer stuffs, but tourists will be very curious!

I did not visit Gundam Park due to time restrictions.( Gundam fans please do not repeat my mistake.)

Fukuoka is well designed for walking. Many attractions are close to each other.

Tochoji Temple looks grand and the wooden Buddha is imposing.

This mask at the entrance of the shrine ( Kushida Jinja ) is meant to welcome the new Spring.

Weather is too cold for me to cycle or jog. I did the next best thing, brisk walk to Fukuoka Castle ruins and Ohori park .

Fukuoka Castle is a popular site during the Sakura season. Ohori park is just a normal park, packed with joggers, cyclists and families.

*Best Sakura spots in Fukuoka. –> https://www.facebook.com/reel/601913908179631

Additional Kyushu tips

15) (Updated Apr 2023 Japan will remove all Covid border measures on 08 May 2023)

16) Japan Official Travel App

*17) Additional Google Map tips and hacks

Plotting your own itinerary is fun and tiring. You can cluster nearby attractions together. Refer to our clockwise Kyushu Itinerary map here . (viewing experience is better on Desktop)

You may pop by our previous post about Google Map hacks here. https://sengkangbabies.com/holiday/google-map-hacks

18) YouTrip debit card (or Wise) -Withdrawal from ATM (Master or Visa friendly). Admin fee applies. -Take note different ATMs might have different withdrawal cap (some might limit to 50,000 Yen only) -Just topup amount needed, YouTrip can do auto conversion for you

Payment (and withdrawal) with YouTrip card is generally cheaper than credit cards.

(Recommend to LOCK your Youtrip card when not in use)

19)eSims or wireless wifi

I used eSim from icard (icc) website. Cheap, easy to setup and I can reload for future trips. Only families and groups might still prefer wifi-router.(some countries eg Malaysia might cap at 2Gb per day only).

20)Weather forecast

Snow or storm, forecasts will help you plan your journey. Accu Weather is useful for us, use the Radar function to estimate wind and rain directions.

Although we visited Kyushu during Winter, there were still patches of rains around the island.

Weather forecasts (and fog) might determine your ropeway and Ferry trips Go or NoGo too.

21)Japan Ecbo App for luggage

It is very inconvenient to lug your luggages wherever you go. Rolling down train stations (or trying to find the lifts) will take up a lot of time and efforts too.

The best option is to leave your luggage in a locker. But lockers (especially for big pieces of luggages) are always in short supply. Try Ecbo App to hunt for alternate luggage storage nearby.

Take note each luggage might cost 600 to 800 Yen per storage. This will add up substantially after a few stopovers.

*22)All our itinerary and points-of-interests have been added to our customised Google Map ( Google Map link )

We hope to Hike or Cycle Kyushu in the near future.

Click for More photos from our 8D7N Kyushu itinerary:

– Day 1 Fukuoka to Aso * Day 2 Mt Aso and Takachiho Gorge – Day 3 Kumamoto city, Shimabara Nagasaki – Day 4 Nagasaki and Atomic Museum – Day 4 pm Nagasaki Bio Park – Day 5-7 Fukuoka – More Fukuoka photos

Read our previous Japan itinerary here: – Kamakura Day trip (from Tokyo), and Enoshima Island – Gokart (Mario Kart) in Shibuya! – Sento (bath house) – Tokyo Itinerary